Queensland's new independent councillor conduct office has begun work, taking on about 60 complaints already under investigation.
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The Office of the Independent Assessor was announced in new legislation following a host of corruption complaints in south-eastern Queensland councils.
Spearheaded by former Assistant Commissioner for Crime at the Crime and Corruption Commission Kathleen Florian, the office will manage, investigate and prosecute all complaints about councillor conduct.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the body marked the start of a new era of accountability and efforts to rebuild community trust in councils.
“The Independent Assessor has the power to investigate and determine genuine complaints more effectively and efficiently while being able to quickly dismiss vexatious complaints," he said.
Councillors are also bound by a new code of conduct which is bolstered by increased penalties including reprimands and orders for counselling. The code applies to all councils except Brisbane City Council, which has its own code.
“The new code of conduct has a strong focus on the three ‘R’s - that councillors carry out their responsibilities conscientiously, they treat people in a respectful way and ensure their conduct does not reflect adversely on the reputation of the council," Mr Hinchliffe said.
Ms Florian, who has an extensive and reputable career in crime investigation at the Crime and Corruption Commission, was most recently the executive director of investigations at the Office of the Health Ombudsman.
She was also previously the state manager for the Australian Crime Commission leading national intelligence programs.
“It will be my priority to resolve the transition matters and ensure that the councillor conduct system is effective, timely and balanced,” Ms Florian said.
“With new powers to address early complaints that are vexatious, frivolous or not in good faith, the focus of the OIA will be on complaints of more serious allegations of misconduct.”
The new body will work with the recently created Councillor Complaints Tribunal and the local government department to improve councillor training, awareness and conduct.
