Proposed local government reforms good news for Gladstone

Continuing its Local Government rolling reform agenda, the Palaszczuk Government this morning announced an update on the proposed Local Government reforms.

The reform package, which has taken onboard feedback from Council’s across Queensland, also fulfils the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the highest levels of integrity and transparency in Local Government.

The proposed reforms included Compulsory Preferential Voting in Council's that had existing divisional areas and Proportional Representation for those Councils who don't.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said this is good news for the Gladstone Region, stating it highlighted the Minister had taken onboard the concerns of Local Government in drafting the bill.

"While the major changes may still be introduced in 2024, it gives us appropriate time to consult with our community on the two options being put forward,” Councillor Burnett said.

Compulsory Preferential Voting will be introduced from the 2020 Local Government election, to align voting methodologies with State and Federal elections and to avoid voter confusion.

"The status quo of, ‘first past the post’ is still, in my opinion, the most democratic way to elect Councillors,” he said.

“However, we now have the opportunity to seek feedback from the community on the Government's alternative options of divisional representation or proportional representation.

"Currently the Mayoralty is decided by optional preferential, which means the voter can mark one box for the candidate of their choice or direct preferences if they would like to, but either way your vote is counted.”

Cr Burnett said in some cases, compulsory preferential voting forced residents to direct preferences to candidates they do not support for their first preference to be counted.

"I personally believe if the voter’s intention is clear then the vote should be counted,” he said.

It was announced any changes to the Proportional Representation voting system would be too complex to introduce for the 2020 Local Government election, with the aim to introduce partial proportional representation for undivided councils at the 2024 Local Government election.

Partial proportional representation in undivided councils means voters could vote in the same way they do now, only having to number the boxes for the number of Councillors being elected.

For more information on the Local Government reform, please visit https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/local-government-reform.html