Restrictions on Functions and Conduct for Stood Down Councillors

Local Government Amendment (Stability of Councils) Bill 2026

Opposition Bill

1st House

2nd House

Law

Introduced by: Beverley McArthur (LIB)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Councillors on candidate leave or stood down must not perform their duties; this includes attending delegated committee meetings or Council premises.
Councillors who are stood down face a penalty of 120 penalty units for attending Council premises for official business; courts can also order them to return allowances and equipment.
Councillor conduct hearings and examinations are suspended while a Councillor is stood down.
Councillors and delegated committee members must not influence or discuss matters where they have a conflict of interest.
CEOs must give Mayors or Deputy Mayors 14 days' notice before a meeting to declare their office vacant; the CEO must also advise that a written response can be provided.
Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Acting Mayors must complete required training within one month of returning from leave or a candidacy period.
Councillors must notify the CEO in writing by the day after they nominate for election.
The Deputy Mayor or an appointed Councillor must chair meetings where a motion to declare the Mayor's office vacant is proposed.

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