Palaszczuk Government builds on integrity record

The Palaszczuk Government’s strong record of integrity in Queensland’s political system has continued with today’s passing of tough new laws banning property developer donations in Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the laws were a direct result of the CCC’s inquiries into local government in Queensland.

“The Crime and Corruption Commission Chair identified developer donations as a clear and genuine risk,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“That’s why we have acted to remove that risk.

“We were also not prepared to do something at a local government level we were not prepared to do at a state government level.

“That’s why we extended these laws to donations at a state level.

“Queenslanders are entitled to expect that decisions related to property development area subject to proper governance arrangements and that decision makers will act ethically and legally,” she said.

The donations ban is one of a suite of reforms passed today in response to the CCC’s Operation Belcarra, which found widespread non-compliance with legislative obligations relating to local government elections and political donations.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the LNP’s hypocrisy in Parliament this week was breathtaking.

“All week, we have seen the LNP fighting openness and transparency all the way, arguing against the clear recommendation of our state’s crime watchdog.

“Let’s face it – they have form.

“They had to be dragged kicking and screaming to court to abide by the historic reforms we introduced in 2015, ensuring that donors over $1000 were publicly disclosed.

“Not only are the LNP appealing this decision, but the Turnbull Government is spending taxpayers’ dollars to mount their own appeal.

“The lengths the LNP will go to, to hide their donors from voters is extraordinary.

“Again I say – what are you so desperate to hide?”

The developer donation ban is one of a series of historic reforms passed in State Parliament today, heraldig a new era of accountability and transparency in Local Government.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the reforms would make Mayors, Councillors and Councils more accountable to their communities.

The laws were an election commitment and are retrospective, to October 12 2017, when they were first introduced into the House.

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