Local government reform

The Queensland Government is delivering a rolling reform agenda in the local government sector.

New reforms since October 2017 strengthen the transparency, accountability and integrity measures that apply to the system of local government in Queensland, and follow the release of the Belcarra report and other input from local government stakeholders.

Latest updates

22 January 2020	Informal meetings information paper (PDF, 199KB) released.
28 November 2019	Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 introduced to Parliament. Read the information paper (PDF, 262KB) with a summary of the proposed Bill.

Important notes for candidates

It is compulsory for all candidates to complete So you want to be a councillor? training. This includes any candidates who are currently, or have previously been, a councillor or mayor.

Election candidates for 2020 now need to keep records of all election expenditure from 1 May 2019, in addition to keeping records of gifts and donations during the disclosure period.

If you have previously been a candidate for a local government election within the past five years, your disclosure period starts 30 days after your last election or by-election. If you are a first-time candidate, your disclosure period starts on the day you first publicly announce you are intending to be a candidate.

Reform timeline

19 March 2016	Local government elections
4 October 2017	Crime and Corruption Commission Operation Belcarra report released
21 May 2018	Belcarra stage 1 reforms including: prohibition of donations from property developers new regime for dealing with conflicts of interest.
28 June 2018	Queensland Audit Office report finalised
3 December 2018	Councillor complaints framework implemented including: introducing a uniform Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland model meeting procedures for meeting behaviour amendment of the publicly available councillor conduct register creation of the Office of the Independent Assessor new annual report requirements.
30 October 2019	Belcarra stage 2 reforms including: mandatory So you want to be a councillor? candidate training transparent candidate bank accounts changes to how a budget is presented to councillors expanded councillor rights to access information limits on the size of councillor ‘discretionary’ funds and new requirement to publicise spending (regulatory amendment in effect from 30 March 2020).
28 November 2019	Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019 introduced including: changes to register of interest requirements new and clarified conflict of interest requirements new requirements for political advisors.
Future regulatory reforms	Regulation changes currently being considered including: improved transparency through changes for meeting agendas, minutes, informal meetings and closed meetings councils being required to consult with the community on their budgets strengthening the requirements on the use of council-controlled entities.
28 March 2020	Local government elections

 

Resources and fact sheets

View resources and fact sheets incorporating changes made as part of stage 2 reforms.

Dedicated hotline

Ph: 07 3452 6747.
The hotline is available between the hours of 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. The department will endeavour to respond to any questions within 48 hours (business days).

Email

For more information or to provide feedback on the reforms, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..