The conduct of local councillors will come under the microscope with the start of a Parliamentary Inquiry into the rules governing their conduct.
The Inquiry led by the Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee will examine the operation and effectiveness of the councillor conduct framework.
This will include an assessment of the Office of the Independent Assessor and Councillor Conduct Tribunal, and whether changes need to be made to the Local Government Act.
The Inquiry will focus on five key areas:
- The effectiveness and efficiency of the Office of the Independent Assessor in dealing with complaints about councillor conduct.
- The effectiveness and efficiency of the Councillor Conduct Tribunal in determining complaints.
- Alternative structural models for the Office of the Independent Assessor to enhance consistency across government and provide tailored integrity support for councillors.
- Rights of review for Councillor Conduct Tribunal decisions.
- Any necessary changes to the Local Government Act 2009 or the functions of the Office of the Independent Assessor or Councillor Conduct Tribunal.
- The Committee will deliver their report to the Queensland Government by November 6, 2026.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said councillors played a vital role in serving their communities.
“It’s essential that the framework governing their conduct is fit for purpose,” Ms Leahy said.
“This inquiry is an important step in strengthening public confidence in the system.”
