Mayor calls for genuine consultation on election changes

Isaac Region Mayor Anne Baker is calling on the Queensland Government to engage with the State’s councils and wider community on proposed changes to voting and election arrangements for local government.

The Queensland Government has foreshadowed a range of new measures including the introduction of compulsory preferential voting, public funding of campaign expenses by councils and proportional representation in undivided councils.

Mayor Baker is urging the Queensland Government not to rush through changes, which could be introduced to parliament as early as next week, without fair and proper consultation.

“What I want to see is genuine conversation and consultation with local government and the communities we represent,” Mayor Baker said.

“I am not locked into a particular mindset on this issue because it is important to recognise the need for change when it is in the best interests of the community.

“But at this point that crucial public interest test has not been applied to any of these proposals.

“Councils and the communities we represent are entitled to be heard and make an informed judgement as to whether these changes have merit through a full appreciation of the facts driving these changes and appropriate consultation, rather than simply having change imposed.

“We are talking about fundamental changes to the way people vote for their community representation.”

Mayor Baker said with the state-wide quadrennial local government elections less than 12 months away, any significant change to existing practice should be delayed.

“Any potential change to voting conventions and electoral funding arrangements should, in all reasonableness, not come into effect until after the 2020 poll,” she said.

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