{"id":224498,"date":"2018-12-03T12:55:34","date_gmt":"2018-12-03T02:55:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=224498"},"modified":"2020-09-22T12:20:27","modified_gmt":"2020-09-22T02:20:27","slug":"complaints-office-opens-for-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2018\/12\/03\/complaints-office-opens-for-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Complaints Office Opens For Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Independent Assessor Kathleen Florian (Photo: OIA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>December 3, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

The new Office of the\u00a0Independent Assessor (OIA) began work on Monday to receive, assess, investigate and prosecute complaints about councillors’ conduct in Queensland.<\/p>\n

And it’s not starting with a clean desk … it’s\u00a0 taking over about 60 current complaints that are under investigation or are awaiting assessment.<\/p>\n

The new Code of Conduct for Councillors to enforce higher standards of behaviour from local government representatives has also come into force.<\/p>\n

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the OIA which is headed up by former crime investigator Kathleen Florian.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the start of a new era of accountability, integrity and transparency as we rebuild the community\u2019s faith and trust in local government,\u201d Mr Hinchliffe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Independent Assessor has the power to investigate and determine genuine complaints more effectively and efficiently while being able to quickly dismiss vexatious complaints.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new Code of Conduct has a strong focus on the three \u2018R\u2019s – that councillors carry out their responsibilities conscientiously, they treat people in a respectful way and ensure their conduct does not reflect adversely on the reputation of the council.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Code is backed by a range of penalties including reprimands, orders for counselling and reimbursement of costs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ms Florian said the OIA\u2019s job is to hold councillors who commit misconduct to account, for the benefit of the community and the benefit of all councillors who are trying to do the right thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be my priority to resolve the transition matters and ensure that the councillor conduct system is effective, timely and balanced,\u201d Ms Florian said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith new powers to address early complaints that are vexatious, frivolous or not in good faith, the focus of the OIA will be on complaints of more serious allegations of misconduct.\u201d<\/p>\n

The OIA will work with the new Councillor Complaints Tribunal and the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs to provide councillors with advice, training and information.<\/p>\n

The Code applies to all Councils, except Brisbane City Council which has a separate Code.<\/p>\n

The Code of Conduct for Councillors can be viewed online<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n