Councillor complaints discussion paper released

Published Thursday, 18 August, 2016 at 08:45 AM

Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Jackie Trad

The Palaszczuk Government is encouraging Queenslanders to provide their feedback following the release of a discussion paper by the independent Councillor Complaints Review Panel.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Jackie Trad said that it was important that the community have a voice in any proposed changes to the complaints system.

“I am pleased the review panel, led by former Integrity Commissioner, Mr David Solomon, have released their discussion paper containing suggestions for the development of an improved system,” Ms Trad said.

“This review is about ensuring there is public confidence in the local government complaints system.

“There has not been a comprehensive review of the complaint process since the introduction of the Local Government Act in 2009 so this review is timely and will result in a modern, fair and transparent system across Queensland.

“There will now be a period of public consultation to ensure that the views and ideas of the community and stakeholders are heard.”

The discussion paper provides three key options for public feedback including:

  • Retain the current framework with complaints managed through the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, with amendments to the Local Government Act 2009;
  • Give more responsibility to councils and make use of ‘mainstream’ State agencies such as the Ombudsman and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal;
  • Reconstitute a dedicated tribunal to deal solely with councillor conduct with its own CEO, support staff and investigative powers.

The independent review panel includes Dr David Solomon AM, Queensland’s former Integrity Commissioner, Mr Noel Playford OAM, nominated by the Local Government Association of Queensland, and Mr Gary Kellar PSM, nominated by Local Government Managers Australia.

View the discussion paper at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au

Submit feedback or ideas at ComplaintsReviewPanel@dilgp.qld.gov.au: or post a written submission to Councillor Complaints Review Panel, c/o The Project Manager, PO Box 15000, City East, Queensland 4002

Submissions close on Friday 23 September 2016 with a final report due later this year.

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942