Stricter rules in run to election
A MELBOURNE Cup field of candidates is tipped for next year’s Gold Coast City Council poll despite the threat of twoyear jail terms for councillors under tougher penalties.
The retirements of Dawn Crichlow (Southport) and Gary Baildon (Surfers Paradise) and boundary changes in the city’s north has created opportunity for would-be councillors.
But candidates and even sitting councillors say they are seeking clarification on campaigning rules and donor reporting requirements from the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) after the introduction of tougher penalties.
In announcing the new legislation late last week, Attorney General Yvette D’Ath said the changes would clarify how conflict of interest was managed and declared by new councillors.
“This includes the introduction of a new offence that applies when a councillor dishonestly contravenes particular conflict-of-interest or register-of-interest requirements,” Ms D’Ath said.
If the councillor broke the rule with the intention to gain a benefit for themselves or another person, the maximum penalty was two years in jail, similar to existing penalties for Cabinet ministers, she said.
“On conviction they will automatically stop being a councillor and be disqualified from holding that office for seven years,” Ms D’Ath said.
The ECQ is sending updates to potential council candidates warning that they would be required to disclose all electoral expenditure since May 1 this year.
“When the new laws commence in early 2020, you must disclose all gifts and loans – except loans from financial institutions – of $500 or more if they are received during the disclosure period,” the ECQ said.
Even if candidates are selffunding their campaign, they must create a dedicated account from which they pay for election expenses. They must also complete compulsory candidate training before they nominate to contest the poll.
Businessman Michael Pulford, who ran in the last campaign, has welcomed the reforms as he puts his hand up to stand in the Southport division held by Cr Crichlow.
Brooke Patterson and Susie Gallagher, like Mr Pulford, will return to campaign in Division 6.
“It will be a Melbourne Cup field,” Mr Pulford said. “Brooke and Susie are running. I think there will probably be five or six candidates. Brooke is running a good campaign, but I think she has come out of the blocks far too early.”
Mr Pulford said he would be standing as an independent candidate who was selffunding his entire campaign.
“I’m 100 per cent self-funded. This time around I will have a dedicated account for any money to fund the campaign,” he said.