People who lodge frivolous or vexatious complaints against Councillors – especially during election periods – could face heavy fines under a series of reforms being considered by the State Government.
The reforms have been suggested by an independent Councillor Complaints Review Panel, which was set up by Deputy Premier Jackie Trad in April this year after concerns about the existing complaints process were raised by councils.
The Panel released a discussion paper on Thursday which has outlined a range of options for improving current council complaint mechanisms.
The Review Panel found that 88 per cent of complaints about inappropriate conduct, misconduct or corrupt conduct by Councillors are dismissed.
Of the 12 per cent that are upheld, most were for trivial matters.
The Review Panel also noted the existing system is unfair in several respects.
Councillors risk being fined for some matters that may be genuine errors – such as neglecting to update their register of interests, or making an honest mistake when they do – and have no right of appeal against decisions.
The Panel also found that complaints about Councillor conduct tended to spike in election years, which suggested many were lodged for political reasons than because of any genuine grievances.
The Panel noted the current complaints process takes an average of almost four months to resolve complaints, and is consuming a significant amount of resources for very little outcome.
The Review Panel’s discussion paper, which is inviting public comments until September 23, proposes three different ways the system can be reformed.
Panel members Dr David Solomon AM, Noel Playford OAM and Gary Kellar PSM say they have no preference for any model, but are seeking public feedback on the issues their investigations have raised.
The discussion paper can be found on the Queensland Government website.
- Related article: Panel To Review Council Complaints Process
