Cup of tea? Rules say it’s a-ok but no flights or gigs

ENJOYING tea and scones with a developer is fine but accepting domestic and international flights or tickets to concerts costing more than $200 could land a local councillor or State MP and the donor in jail under the Palaszczuk Government’s prohibited donor scheme.

Councils have been given examples of what they can and cannot do when it comes to accepting hospitality from developers and development industry groups under the new laws, which apply equally to State Parliamentarians as well.

According to the Electoral Commission of Queensland, which is charged with enforcing the ban, light meals and refreshments, tea, coffee, water and morning or afternoon tea are acceptable.

Domestic or international flights, extravagant meals of more than $200 or tickets to expensive events like concerts that cost more than $200 are banned.

Electoral Commission Pat Vidgen said the ECQ determined the guidelines based on a range of factors.

“To determine what hospitality can be received, ECQ considered the longstanding practices outlined in Parliament’s Code of Ethical Standards and the Queensland Ministerial handbook, which guide acceptable behaviour,” he said.

“We also looked to Queensland’s Electoral Act which states fundraising contributions of $200 or less are not considered a gift and we’ve applied that same dollar value to tokens of hospitality under the prohibited donors scheme.”

Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Greg Hallam backed the move,

“We think it’s reasonable and local government will abide by those rules,” Mr Hallam said.

The ECQ moved to clarify how it plans to enforce the developer donation ban following conflicting legal advice obtained by councils over what the ban means when it comes to hospitality.

The donation ban was initially introduced by the Palaszczuk Government on the eve of the 2017 State Election before it was reintroduced and passed last year.

The ban did not officially come into effect until October last year but it was made retrospective meaning any donations from a developer since October 12, 2017 is illegal.

Anyone who knowingly makes or accepts a prohibited donation faces fines of up to $52,220 or two years in jail.

— light meals and refreshments

— extravagant meals or beverages costing more than $200

— drinks/coffee/tea/water

— Free tickets to expensive events costing more than $200