Vote on new powers to sack mayors

BEEFED-UP powers that would allow Queensland’s local government minister to sack mayors and councillors charged with criminal offences will be put to a vote in parliament next week.

Stirling Hinchliffe announced the move at a Local Government Association Queensland conference on the Gold Coast yesterday after cabinet decided this week to support his proposed reforms.

Amendments to the Belcarra Bill before the parliament would allow for automatic suspension of any mayor or councillor charged with one of a series of serious integrity offences and give Mr Hinchliffe powers to sack or suspend a council, councillor or mayor.

The bill contains the first wave of changes being made by the Labor government in response to the recommendations contained in the Crime and Corruption Commission’s report into local councils.