New misconduct and disqualification rules for local government councillors

Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Private Member's Bill

Assembly

Introduced by: Ann Leahy (LNP)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Local government employees cannot give Assembly proceedings documents to councillors.
A councillor's office becomes vacant if they are elected mayor or run for the Legislative Assembly.
The bill reinstates material personal interest and conflict of interest rules for councillors.
Councillors no longer need to report suspected conflicts of other councillors.
Serious conflict of interest breaches carry a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison or 200 penalty units.
Bullying and sexual harassment are now classified as misconduct for councillors.
BCC councillors outside the Civic Cabinet can only see Cabinet information after a decision is made.
Election material authorisers have new rules for disclosing their addresses.

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