Mark Furner
Voters will be better informed about election donations after new regulations for Council elections came into force on Friday.
Local Government Minister Mark Furner said Queensland was leading the way in disclosing details about how and when political donations are made.
“The Electronic Disclosure System is the first of its kind in Australia,” Mr Furner said.
“These reforms bring council elections in line with reporting measures for state elections.
“They are part of a suite of changes aimed at giving Queenslanders increased clarity about those seeking to be their local government representative.”
Mr Furner said the new regulations will ensure council candidates disclose campaign donations online within seven days.
“Instead of waiting more than six months to see who is donating to a political party, now voters in council elections will have access to this information within seven business days.
“It is imperative people are able to go to the polls with their eyes wide open and this system gives the public unprecedented access to information about who has donated to a candidate’s campaign.”
The legislative changes are part of the State Government’s commitment to transparency at state and local government level.
A candidate, who has run in a previous council election within the past five years, will also be required to disclose donations they received since the last election.
A new candidate’s disclosure responsibilities begin at the time of their nomination for this election.
Disclosures are required to continue until 30 days after the election, and will appear on the Electoral Commission of Queensland’s electronic disclosure system.
The new rules will apply to candidates for Mayor of Ipswich following the resignation of former Mayor Paul Pisasale, and candidates running to fill a councillor vacancy in Boulia Shire Council with a by-election.
The next Queensland local government elections are scheduled for 2020.
