Criminal offence for directors and staff of the Westport Authority to breach their duties

Westport Bill 2026

1st House

2nd House

Law

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Establishes the Westport Authority as the state agency for planning Westport.
Criminalises breaches of duty by the Authority's directors, CEO and staff; offenders face up to 5 years in prison and a fine.
Bans directors or committee members from attending meetings when they have a material personal interest in the matter.
Lets the relevant Minister request and keep information from the Authority.
Lets the Authority make a profit from its fixed assets; this cannot interfere with its core functions.
Lets the Authority enter leases and licences; the Minister and Treasurer must approve the terms.
Requires the Authority board to appoint an audit and risk management committee.
Requires people carrying out exempt development to consider specific planning factors.

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