Council errs on side of caution

COUNCILLORS will step down as directors from council-funded tourism promotion groups amid confusion over new conflict of interest laws.

Council insiders fear political games are being played about the Palaszczuk Government’s local government reform agenda, with many seeing the new laws as unworkable.

Mayor Tom Tate, in a bid to reduce uncertainty and ease public perceptions, has successfully moved to have councillors removed as directors on alliance boards where they would stay only as observers.

The alliances are powerful bodies, with the current proposed budget providing $3.4 million for the Surfers Paradise Alliance, $2.8 million for Broadbeach and $823,000 for Southern Gold Coast.

At a recent full council meeting Cr Tate voiced his disappointment in Councillors Bob La Castra and Hermann Vorster, due to their positions on the Home of the Arts board, not being able to take part in the car park debate.

The sale of Bruce Bishop Car Park will help provide $13 million for a new art gallery and $16 million for a green bridge to Chevron Island, essentially securing the next stage of the cultural precinct.

Cr Tate said the recent changes in the Local Government Act on conflict of interest made it untenable for councillors to hold board positions on council controlled entities.

“With this perceived conflict of interest they had no choice but to exit and have no further discussion regarding the funding of Home of the Arts,” Cr Tate said.

Councillor William OwenJones told the meeting independent legal advice from Clayton Utz suggested council nominated directors would not have a conflict of interest or a material personal interest.

“Clearly the legislation as it stands allows a councillor to make their own decision in regards to that,” he said.

Cr Tate at the meeting told Cr Owen-Jones: “But you know what happens, there is the crucial item at the last council meeting, Councillor La Castra asked our city solicitor can he remain in the room and advice there was that he should not. So that’s what triggered it all.”

Councillor Glenn Tozer opposed the motion, saying councillors needed to represent residents.

“I’m trying to understand, given the legal advice we have received related to this matter, what legal advice are you actually relying on to make the statements you did in your preamble,” he told the Mayor.

Cr La Castra confirmed he had obtained legal advice from the city solicitor and was told “you should absolutely leave”.