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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.


LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL 2009

          Queensland



Local Government Bill 2009

 


 

 

Queensland Local Government Bill 2009 Contents Page Chapter 1 Preliminary 1 Short title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 2 Commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3 Purpose of this Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4 Local government principles underpin this Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 5 How this Act applies to the Brisbane City Council . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 6 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 1 Local governments and their constitution, responsibilities and powers 7 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 8 Local government's responsibility for local government areas . . . 20 9 Powers of local governments generally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 10 Power includes power to conduct joint government activities. . . . 22 11 Who a local government is constituted by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 12 Responsibilities of councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 13 Responsibilities of local government employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Part 2 Divisions of local government areas 14 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 15 Division of local government areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 16 Review of divisions of local government areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Part 3 Changing a local government area, name or representation Division 1 Introduction 17 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Division 2 The process for change 18 Who may start the change process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 19 Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 20 Implementation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 21 Decisions under this division are not subject to appeal . . . . . . . . 31 Division 3 The change commission 22 Change commission is established . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 23 Casual commissioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 24 Conflict of interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 25 Annual report of change commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 1 Local laws Division 1 Introduction 26 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 27 Interaction with State laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Division 2 Making, recording and reviewing local laws 28 Power to make a local law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 29 Local law making process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 30 Expiry of interim local law revives previous law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 31 Local law register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 32 Consolidated versions of local laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 33 Regular review of local laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Division 3 Local laws that can not be made 34 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 35 Network connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 36 Election advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 37 Development processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 38 Anti-competitive provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Part 2 Business enterprises and activities Division 1 Beneficial enterprises 39 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 40 Conducting beneficial enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 41 Register of beneficial enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 42 Planning for a beneficial enterprise with the private sector . . . . . 44 Division 2 Business reform, including competitive neutrality 43 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 44 Ways to apply the competitive neutrality principle . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 45 Identifying significant business activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 46 Assessing public benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Page 2

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 47 Code of competitive conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 48 Competitive neutrality complaints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Division 3 Responsibilities and liabilities of employees of corporate entities 49 Director's duty to disclose interest in a matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 50 Obligations of a corporate entity's employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 51 Corporate entity must not insure against certain liabilities of employees ................................. 52 52 When a corporate entity is not to indemnify employees . . . . . . . . 53 53 Prohibition on loans to directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 54 Duty to prevent insolvent trading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 55 Order for examination of persons concerned with corporate entities ......................................... 56 56 Examination of persons concerned with corporate entities . . . . . 57 57 Relief from liability for malpractice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 58 False or misleading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure Division 1 Roads 59 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 60 Control of roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 61 Notice of intention to acquire land to widen a road . . . . . . . . . . . 62 62 Compensation for a notice of intention to acquire land . . . . . . . . 63 63 Appeal on a claim for compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 64 Acquisition of land instead of compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 65 What is to happen if a realignment is not carried out . . . . . . . . . . 66 66 Compensation if realignment not carried out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 67 Acquiring land for use as a footpath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 68 Notice to local government of opening or closing of roads. . . . . . 68 69 Closing roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 70 Temporary roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 71 Road levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 72 Assessment of impacts on roads from certain activities. . . . . . . . 71 73 Categorisation of roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 74 Roads map and register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 75 Unauthorised works on roads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Division 2 Stormwater drains 76 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Page 3

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 77 Connecting stormwater installation to stormwater drain. . . . . . . . 75 78 No connecting sewerage to stormwater drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 79 No trade waste or prohibited substances in stormwater drain . . . 77 80 Interference with path of stormwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Part 4 The business of indigenous regional councils Division 1 Introduction 81 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Division 2 Managing trust land 82 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 83 Trustee business must be conducted separately . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 84 Meetings about trust land generally open to the public . . . . . . . . 81 85 Community forum input on trust change proposals . . . . . . . . . . . 82 86 Grouping of trust land not available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Division 3 Community forums 87 Community forums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 88 Members of a community forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 89 Payments to elected members of a community forum . . . . . . . . . 85 90 Convenors for a community forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 1 Rates and charges 91 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 92 Types of rates and charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 93 Land on which rates are levied. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 94 Power to levy rates and charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 95 Overdue rates are a charge over land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 96 Regulations for rates and charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Part 2 Fees 97 Cost-recovery fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 98 Register of cost-recovery fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 99 Fees on occupiers of land below the high-water mark . . . . . . . . . 94 100 Fees on residents of indigenous local government areas . . . . . . 95 Part 3 Financial sustainability and accountability 101 Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act applies to local governments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 102 Financial sustainability criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 103 Financial management systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Page 4

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 104 Financial management, planning and accountability documents . 96 105 Auditing, including internal auditing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 106 Sound contracting principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 107 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Part 4 Councillor's financial accountability 108 Misappropriation offence applies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 109 Councillor's discretionary funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 110 Councillor's liable for improper disbursements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 111 Councillor's liable for loans to individuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 112 Councillor's liable for improper borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments Division 1 Introduction 113 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 114 Decisions under this part are not subject to appeal . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Division 2 Monitoring and evaluation 115 Gathering information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 116 Acting on the information gathered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 117 Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 118 Financial controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 119 Costs and expenses of advisors and financial controllers . . . . . . 107 Division 3 Action by the Minister 120 Precondition to remedial action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 121 Removing unsound decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 122 Removing a councillor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 123 Dissolving a local government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 124 Interim administrator acts for the councillors temporarily . . . . . . . 111 Part 2 The public Division 1 Powers of authorised persons Subdivision 1 Introduction 125 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 126 Producing authorised person's identity card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Subdivision 2 Power to require a person's name and address 127 Power to require a person's name and address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Page 5

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents Subdivision 3 Powers to enter property etc. 128 Entering a public place that is open without the need for permission ...................................... 115 129 Entering private property with, and in accordance with, the occupier's permission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 130 Entering private property with, and in accordance with, a warrant ................................... 117 131 Warrants--applications made electronically. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 132 Entering under an application, permit or notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 133 Entering property under an approved inspection program . . . . . . 122 134 Approving an inspection program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 135 General powers after entering a property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 136 Authorised person to give notice of damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 137 Compensation for damage or loss caused after entry . . . . . . . . . 127 Division 2 Powers of other persons 138 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 139 Entry with, and in accordance with, permission of occupier. . . . . 129 140 Entry by an owner, with reasonable written notice, under a remedial notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 141 Occupier may discharge owner's obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 142 Entry by a local government worker, with reasonable written notice, under a remedial notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 143 Entry by a local government worker, with reasonable written notice, to take materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 144 Entry by a local government worker, at reasonable times, to repair etc. facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 145 Entry by a local government worker, at any time, for urgent action ................................... 134 146 Entry with, and in accordance with, a court order . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 147 Compensation for damage or loss caused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 148 Limitation of time in absence of notice of work done . . . . . . . . . . 137 Division 3 Offences 149 Obstructing enforcement of Local Government Acts . . . . . . . . . . 137 150 Impersonating an authorised person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Chapter 6 Administration Part 1 Introduction 151 What this chapter is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Page 6

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents Part 2 Councillors Division 1 Qualifications of councillors 152 Qualifications of councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 153 Disqualification for certain offences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 154 Disqualification of prisoners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 155 Disqualification because of other high office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 156 Disqualification during bankruptcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 157 Judicial review of qualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 158 Acting as councillor without authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Division 2 Councillor's term of office 159 When a councillor's term starts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 160 When a councillor's term ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Division 3 Vacancies in councillor's office 161 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 162 When a councillor's office becomes vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 163 When a vacancy in an office must be filled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 164 Filling a vacancy in the office of mayor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 165 Acting mayor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 166 Filling a vacancy in the office of another councillor . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Division 4 Councillors with other jobs 167 Councillors and local government jobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 168 Senior councillors and full-time government jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Division 5 Obligations of councillors 169 Obligations of councillors before acting in office . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 170 Giving directions to local government staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 171 Use of information by councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 172 Councillor's material personal interest at a meeting. . . . . . . . . . . 151 173 Councillor's conflict of interest at a meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 174 Duty to report another councillor's material personal interest, conflict of interest or misconduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 175 Post-election meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Division 6 Conduct and performance of councillors 176 What this division is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 177 Assessing complaints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 178 Notifying councillor of the hearing of a complaint of misconduct . 161 179 Hearing and deciding complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Page 7

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 180 Taking disciplinary action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 181 Inappropriate conduct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 182 Department's chief executive is public official for CMC Act . . . . . 165 Part 3 The tribunal 183 Establishing the tribunal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 184 Members of tribunal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 185 Remuneration and appointment conditions of members . . . . . . . 167 186 Costs of tribunal to be met by local government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 187 Conflict of interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 188 Assistance from departmental staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Part 4 Regional conduct review panels 189 Appointing members of regional conduct review panels . . . . . . . 168 190 Remuneration and appointment conditions of members . . . . . . . 170 191 Costs of regional conduct review panels to be met by local government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 192 Conflict of interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 193 Assistance from departmental staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Part 5 Local government employees Division 1 Chief executive officer 194 Appointing a chief executive officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 195 Appointing an acting chief executive officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Division 2 Other local government employees 196 Appointing other local government employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 197 Disciplinary action against local government employees . . . . . . . 173 Division 3 Common provisions 198 Concurrent employment of local government employees. . . . . . . 173 199 Improper conduct by local government employees . . . . . . . . . . . 174 200 Improper use of information by local government employees . . . 174 201 Annual report must detail remuneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Part 6 Authorised persons 202 Appointing authorised persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 203 End of appointment of authorised persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 204 Identity card for authorised persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Part 7 Interim management 205 Interim management committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Page 8

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 206 Conditions of appointment as interim administrator or member of committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 207 End of appointment of interim management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Part 8 The superannuation board 208 Superannuation board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 209 Board's responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 210 Board of directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 211 Seal of the super board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 1 Way to hold a hearing 212 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 213 Procedures at hearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 214 Witnesses at hearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 215 Contempt at hearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Part 2 Superannuation 216 What this part is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 217 LG super scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 218 Members of LG super scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 219 Compulsory super contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 220 Amount of compulsory contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 221 Extra super contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 222 Adjusting super contributions when salary changed . . . . . . . . . . 189 223 Super contributions for non-contributory members . . . . . . . . . . . 190 224 Interest is payable on unpaid super contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 225 Local governments must not establish employee superannuation schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 226 Super scheme for councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 227 Super schemes to be audited by auditor-general. . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Part 3 Allocating Commonwealth funding to local governments Division 1 Allocating Commonwealth funding 228 Allocating Commonwealth funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 229 Decisions under this division are not subject to appeal . . . . . . . . 193 Division 2 The grants commission 230 Grants commission is established . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 231 Members of grants commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 232 Conflict of interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Page 9

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 233 Staff assistance to the grants commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Part 4 Legal provisions 234 False or misleading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 235 Administrators who act honestly and without negligence are protected from liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 236 Who is authorised to sign local government documents . . . . . . . 198 237 Name in proceedings by or against a local government. . . . . . . . 199 238 Service of documents on local governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 239 Substituted service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 240 Acting for a local government in legal proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . 200 241 Attempt to commit offence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 242 Types of offences under this Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 243 Time to start proceedings in a summary way. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 244 Decisions not subject to appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 245 Judges and other office holders not disqualified from adjudicating ............................... 203 246 Where fines are to be paid to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 247 Local government references in this Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 248 Evidence of local laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 249 Evidence of proceedings of local government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 250 Evidentiary value of copies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 251 Evidentiary value of certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 252 Evidence of directions given to local government . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 253 Evidence of complainant's knowledge of matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 254 Constitution and limits of local government need not be proved . 206 Part 5 Delegation of powers 255 Delegation of Minister's powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 256 Delegation of department's chief executive's powers . . . . . . . . . . 207 257 Delegation of local government powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 258 Delegation of mayor's powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 259 Delegation of chief executive officer powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 260 Local government delegations register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Part 6 Other provisions 261 Public office of a local government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 262 Powers in support of responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 263 Validity of local government proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Page 10

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 264 Special entertainment precincts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 265 Materials in infrastructure are local government property . . . . . . 211 266 Approved forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 267 Review of this Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 268 Process for administrative action complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 269 Information for the Minister. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 270 Regulation-making power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and repeals 271 What this chapter is about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 272 Local governments, including joint local governments . . . . . . . . . 213 273 Community governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 274 Local service committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 275 Local government owned corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 276 Local laws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 277 Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 278 Proceedings and evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 279 Super trust deed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 280 Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 281 Remuneration schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 282 References to repealed LG Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 283 Continuation of instruments to implement reform. . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 284 Transitional regulation-making power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 285 Administration of sinking fund for liquidation of current borrowings ..................................... 218 286 Local Government Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 287 Repeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 288 Act amended in pt 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 289 Amendment of s 9 (Who is an owner of a cat or dog) . . . . . . . . . 220 290 Amendment of s 13 (Supplier must ensure cat or dog is implanted) ................................. 220 291 Omission of s 15 (Notice of changed identifying information) . . . 220 292 Amendment of s 44 (Registration obligation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 293 Amendment of s 45 (Cat or dog must bear identification in particular circumstances) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Page 11

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 294 Amendment of s 47 (What registration form must state) . . . . . . . 222 295 Amendment of s 49 (Relevant local government must give registration notice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 296 Amendment of s 54 (Amendment of registration). . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 297 Amendment of s 55 (Relevant local government must give notice of change) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 298 Amendment of s 56 (Relevant local government must give renewal notice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 299 Amendment of s 57 (What owner must do) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 300 Amendment of s 58 (Relevant local government must give registration notice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 301 Amendment of s 61 (What is a declared dangerous dog) . . . . . . 223 302 Amendment of s 62 (What is a declared menacing dog) . . . . . . . 224 303 Amendment of s 93 (Owner's obligations if proposed declaration notice in force) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 304 Amendment of s 95 (Notice and taking effect of declaration). . . . 225 305 Amendment of s 98 (Declared menacing dogs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 306 Amendment of s 104 (Appointment and qualifications) . . . . . . . . 225 307 Amendment of s 112 (Additional entry powers for particular dogs) ...................................... 226 308 Amendment of s 131 (Return of regulated dog to registered owner) ................................... 226 309 Amendment of s 173 (Who may inspect registers). . . . . . . . . . . . 226 310 Amendment of s 174 (Chief executive officer must give information) .............................. 226 311 Amendment of s 181 (Who may apply for review) . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 312 Amendment of s 182 (Requirements for making PID review application) ................................ 227 313 Amendment of s 183 (Requirements for making general review application) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 314 Amendment of s 184 (Stay of operation of original decision) . . . . 227 315 Amendment of s 189 (Starting appeal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 316 Amendment of s 190 (Stay of operation of review notice) . . . . . . 227 317 Amendment of s 194 (Particular persons must ensure dog does not attack or cause fear). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 318 Replacement of ss 195 and 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 195 Prohibition on allowing or encouraging dog to attack or cause fear .......................... 228 196 Defences for offence against s 194 or 195 . . . . . . . . . 229 319 Amendment of s 206 (Delegation by chief executive officer) . . . . 230 Page 12

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents 320 Amendment of s 209 (Approval of forms). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 321 Amendment of s 211 (Deferral for particular local governments) . 230 322 Amendment of s 212 (Restricted dog registers). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 323 Amendment of s 213 (Cats and dogs implanted before commencement) ............................ 231 324 Replacement of s 216 (Cat or dog not registered at commencement) ........................... 231 216 Cat or dog not registered at commencement . . . . . . . 231 325 Insertion of new ss 217A and 217B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 217A Corresponding law regulated dogs and corresponding convictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 217B Local law dangerous dogs and corresponding convictions ...................... 233 326 Amendment of sch 1 (Permit conditions and conditions applying to declared dangerous and menacing dogs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 327 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Part 2 Amendments of Acts 328 Acts amended in sch 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Schedule 1 Acts amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities (Justice, Land and Other Matters) Act 1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Aboriginal Land Act 1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (Land Holding) Act 1985 . 238 Acts Interpretation Act 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Airport Assets (Restructuring and Disposal) Act 2008 . . . . . . . . . 239 Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997. . . . . . . 239 Brisbane City Council Business and Procedure Act 1939 . . . . . . 240 Brisbane River Tidal Lands Improvement Act 1927 . . . . . . . . . . . 241 Building Act 1975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241 Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 City of Brisbane Act 1924. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 Community Services Act 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Constitution of Queensland 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Criminal Code Act 1899 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 Disaster Management Act 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 1989. . . . . . . . . . . 245 Page 13

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents Duties Act 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 Electoral Act 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 Fisheries Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247 Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1963 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247 Forestry Act 1959 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Fossicking Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Freedom of Information Act 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Geothermal Exploration Act 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Housing Act 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Housing (Freeholding of Land) Act 1957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Iconic Queensland Places Act 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Inala Shopping Centre Freeholding Act 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Industrial Development Act 1963 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 Judicial Review Act 1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 Justices Act 1886 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 Land Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 . 254 Land Tax Act 1915 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 Land Title Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 Libraries Act 1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 Liquor Act 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 Local Government (Aboriginal Lands) Act 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Local Government (Chinatown and The Valley Malls) Act 1984 . 257 Local Government (Queen Street Mall) Act 1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1909 . . . . . . . . . . 258 Mineral Resources Act 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 Motor Racing Events Act 1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 National Trust of Queensland Act 1963 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 Ombudsman Act 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 Parliament of Queensland Act 2001. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 Petroleum Act 1923 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004. . . . . . . . . 260 Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261 Page 14

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Contents Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262 Prostitution Act 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262 Public Health Act 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262 Public Records Act 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 Public Service Act 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Queensland Competition Authority Act 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Queensland Treasury Corporation Act 1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 Racing Venues Development Act 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 Registration of Plans (H.S.P. (Nominees) Pty. Limited) Enabling Act 1980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 Registration of Plans (Stage 2) (H.S.P. (Nominees) Pty. Limited) Enabling Act 1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 Residential Tenancies Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 River Improvement Trust Act 1940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 Sanctuary Cove Resort Act 1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 South Bank Corporation Act 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) Act 2007 . . . . . . . 268 Sugar Industry Act 1999. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Townsville Breakwater Entertainment Centre Act 1991 . . . . . . . . 269 Townsville City Council (Douglas Land Development) Act 1993 . 269 Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 . . . . . . 271 Urban Land Development Authority Act 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Valuation of Land Act 1944 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Vegetation Management Act 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Water Act 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 . . . . . . . . . 274 Schedule 2 Comparative terms for the Brisbane City Council . . . . . . . . . 275 Schedule 3 Dictionary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277 Page 15

 


 

 

2009 A Bill for An Act to provide a system of local government in Queensland, and for related purposes

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 1 Preliminary [s 1] The Parliament of Queensland enacts-- 1 Chapter 1 Preliminary 2 1 Short title 3 This Act may be cited as the Local Government Act 2009. 4 2 Commencement 5 (1) This Act, other than chapter 9, part 1, commences on a day to 6 be fixed by proclamation. 7 (2) Chapter 9, part 1 commences on 1 July 2009. 8 3 Purpose of this Act 9 The purpose of this Act is to provide for-- 10 (a) the way in which a local government is constituted and 11 the nature and extent of its responsibilities and powers; 12 and 13 (b) a system of local government in Queensland that is 14 accountable, effective, efficient and sustainable. 15 Note-- 16 The system of local government consists of a number of local 17 governments. See the Constitution of Queensland 2001, section 18 70 (System of local government). 19 4 Local government principles underpin this Act 20 (1) To ensure the system of local government is accountable, 21 effective, efficient and sustainable, Parliament requires-- 22 (a) anyone who is performing a responsibility under this 23 Act to do so in accordance with the local government 24 principles; and 25 Page 18

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 1 Preliminary [s 5] (b) any action that is taken under this Act to be taken in a 1 way that-- 2 (i) is consistent with the local government principles; 3 and 4 (ii) provides results that are consistent with the local 5 government principles, in as far as the results are 6 within the control of the person who is taking the 7 action. 8 (2) The local government principles are-- 9 (a) transparent and effective processes, and 10 decision-making in the public interest; and 11 (b) sustainable development and management of assets and 12 infrastructure, and delivery of effective services; and 13 (c) democratic representation, social inclusion and 14 meaningful community engagement; and 15 (d) good governance of, and by, local government; and 16 (e) ethical and legal behaviour of councillors and local 17 government employees. 18 5 How this Act applies to the Brisbane City Council 19 (1) The Brisbane City Council is a local government under this 20 Act. 21 (2) However, this Act applies to the Brisbane City Council, with 22 any necessary changes, only to the extent that this Act 23 provides for a matter that the City of Brisbane Act 1924 does 24 not provide for. 25 (3) For that purpose, a reference in this Act, that is set out in 26 column 1 of schedule 2, is taken to be a reference to the 27 corresponding words in the City of Brisbane Act 1924, that is 28 set out in column 2 of schedule 2. 29 Page 19

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 1 Local governments and their constitution, responsibilities and powers [s 6] 6 Definitions 1 The dictionary in schedule 3 defines particular words used in 2 this Act. 3 Chapter 2 Local governments 4 Part 1 Local governments and their 5 constitution, responsibilities 6 and powers 7 7 What this part is about 8 This part explains-- 9 (a) what a local government is; and 10 (b) what a local government area is; and 11 (c) who constitutes a local government; and 12 (d) the responsibilities and powers of a local government, 13 its councillors and its employees. 14 8 Local government's responsibility for local government 15 areas 16 (1) A local government is an elected body that is responsible for 17 the good rule and local government of a part of Queensland. 18 Note-- 19 This is provided for in the Constitution of Queensland 2001, section 71 20 (Requirements for a local government). 21 (2) A part of Queensland that is governed by a local government 22 is called a local government area. 23 Page 20

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 1 Local governments and their constitution, responsibilities and powers [s 9] (3) A local government area may be divided into areas called 1 divisions. 2 (4) A regulation may-- 3 (a) describe the boundaries of a local government area; or 4 (b) describe the boundaries of any divisions; or 5 (c) fix the number of councillors for a local government and 6 any divisions of the local government area; or 7 (d) name a local government area; or 8 (e) classify a local government area as a city, town, shire or 9 region. 10 9 Powers of local governments generally 11 (1) A local government has the power to do anything that is 12 necessary or convenient for the good rule and local 13 government of its local government area. 14 Note-- 15 Also, see section 262 (Powers in support of responsibilities) for more 16 information about powers. 17 (2) However, a local government can only do something that the 18 State can validly do. 19 (3) When exercising a power, a local government may take 20 account of Aboriginal tradition and Island custom. 21 (4) A local government may exercise its powers-- 22 (a) inside the local government area; or 23 (b) outside the local government area (including outside 24 Queensland)-- 25 (i) with the written approval of the Minister; or 26 (ii) as provided in section 10(5). 27 (5) When a local government is exercising a power in a place that 28 is outside its local government area, the local government has 29 Page 21

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 1 Local governments and their constitution, responsibilities and powers [s 10] the same jurisdiction in the place as if the place were inside its 1 local government area. 2 10 Power includes power to conduct joint government 3 activities 4 (1) A local government may exercise its powers by cooperating 5 with 1 or more other local, State or Commonwealth 6 governments to conduct a joint government activity. 7 (2) A joint government activity includes providing a service, or 8 operating a facility, that involves the other governments. 9 (3) The cooperation with another government may take any form, 10 including for example-- 11 (a) entering into an agreement; or 12 (b) creating a joint local government entity, or joint 13 government entity, to oversee the joint government 14 activity. 15 (4) A joint government activity may be set up for more than 1 16 purpose. 17 Example-- 18 Three local governments may create a joint local government entity to 19 manage an aerodrome that services each of their local government areas, 20 and may also enter into an agreement to sell water in bulk to 1 of the 21 local governments. 22 (5) A local government may exercise a power in another 23 government's area for the purposes of a joint government 24 activity, in the way agreed by the governments. 25 (6) However, if the power is to be exercised under a local law, the 26 local law must expressly state that it applies to the other 27 government's area. 28 Note-- 29 See section 29 for more information about making local laws. 30 Page 22

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 1 Local governments and their constitution, responsibilities and powers [s 11] 11 Who a local government is constituted by 1 (1) Usually, a local government is constituted by the councillors 2 who are elected or appointed to the local government under 3 this Act or the Local Government Electoral Act. 4 (2) However-- 5 (a) if all of the councillors have been dismissed under 6 section 123 and an interim administrator is 7 appointed--the local government is constituted by the 8 interim administrator; or 9 (b) if there are no councillors for any other reason--the 10 local government is constituted by its chief executive 11 officer. 12 12 Responsibilities of councillors 13 (1) A councillor must represent the current and future interests of 14 the residents of the local government area. 15 (2) All councillors of a local government have the same 16 responsibilities, but the mayor has some extra responsibilities. 17 (3) All councillors have the following responsibilities-- 18 (a) ensuring the local government-- 19 (i) discharges its responsibilities under this Act; and 20 (ii) achieves its corporate and community plans; and 21 (iii) complies with all laws that apply to local 22 governments; 23 (b) providing high quality leadership to the local 24 government and the community; 25 (c) participating in council meetings, policy development, 26 and decision making, for the benefit of the local 27 government area; 28 (d) being accountable to the community for the local 29 government's performance. 30 Page 23

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 1 Local governments and their constitution, responsibilities and powers [s 12] (4) The mayor has the following extra responsibilities-- 1 (a) leading and managing meetings of the local government 2 at which the mayor is the chairperson, including 3 managing the conduct of the participants at the 4 meetings; 5 (b) proposing the adoption of the local government's 6 budget; 7 (c) liaising with the chief executive officer on behalf of the 8 other councillors; 9 (d) leading, managing, and providing strategic direction to, 10 the chief executive officer in order to achieve the high 11 quality administration of the local government; 12 (e) directing the chief executive officer, in accordance with 13 the local government's policies; 14 (f) conducting a performance appraisal of the chief 15 executive officer, at least annually, in the way that is 16 decided by the local government (including as a member 17 of a committee, for example); 18 (g) ensuring that the local government promptly provides 19 the Minister with the information about the local 20 government area, or the local government, that is 21 requested by the Minister; 22 (h) being a member of each standing committee of the local 23 government; 24 (i) representing the local government at ceremonial or civic 25 functions. 26 (5) A councillor who is not the mayor may perform the mayor's 27 extra responsibilities only if the mayor delegates the 28 responsibility to the councillor. 29 (6) When performing a responsibility, a councillor must serve the 30 overall public interest of the whole local government area. 31 Page 24

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 1 Local governments and their constitution, responsibilities and powers [s 13] 13 Responsibilities of local government employees 1 (1) All employees of a local government have the same 2 responsibilities, but the chief executive officer has some extra 3 responsibilities. 4 (2) All employees have the following responsibilities-- 5 (a) implementing the policies and priorities of the local 6 government in a way that promotes-- 7 (i) the effective, efficient and economical 8 management of public resources; and 9 (ii) excellence in service delivery; and 10 (iii) continual improvement; 11 (b) carrying out their duties in a way that ensures the local 12 government-- 13 (i) discharges its responsibilities under this Act; and 14 (ii) complies with all laws that apply to local 15 governments; and 16 (iii) achieves its corporate and community plans; 17 (c) providing sound and impartial advice to the local 18 government; 19 (d) carrying out their duties impartially and with integrity; 20 (e) ensuring the employee's personal conduct does not 21 reflect adversely on the reputation of the local 22 government; 23 (f) improving all aspects of the employee's work 24 performance; 25 (g) observing all laws relating to their employment; 26 (h) observing the ethics principles under the Public Sector 27 Ethics Act 1994, section 4; 28 (i) complying with a code of conduct under the Public 29 Sector Ethics Act 1994. 30 Page 25

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 1 Local governments and their constitution, responsibilities and powers [s 13] (3) The chief executive officer has the following extra 1 responsibilities-- 2 (a) managing the local government in a way that 3 promotes-- 4 (i) the effective, efficient and economical 5 management of public resources; and 6 (ii) excellence in service delivery; and 7 (iii) continual improvement; 8 (b) managing the other local government employees 9 through management practices that-- 10 (i) promote equal employment opportunities; and 11 (ii) are responsive to the local government's policies 12 and priorities; 13 (c) establishing and implementing goals and practices in 14 accordance with the policies and priorities of the local 15 government; 16 (d) establishing and implementing practices about access 17 and equity to ensure that members of the community 18 have access to-- 19 (i) local government programs; and 20 (ii) appropriate avenues for reviewing local 21 government decisions; 22 (e) keeping a record, and giving the local government 23 access to a record, of all directions that the mayor gives 24 to the chief executive officer. 25 Page 26

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 2 Divisions of local government areas [s 14] Part 2 Divisions of local government 1 areas 2 14 What this part is about 3 This part is about the number of electors that are to be in each 4 division of a local government area, to ensure democratic 5 representation. 6 15 Division of local government areas 7 (1) Each division of a local government area must have a 8 reasonable proportion of electors. 9 (2) A reasonable proportion of electors is the number of electors 10 that is worked out by dividing the total number of electors in 11 the local government area (as nearly as can be found out) by 12 the number of councillors (other than the mayor), plus or 13 minus-- 14 (a) for a local government area with more than 10000 15 electors--10%; or 16 (b) for any other local government area--20%. 17 Examples-- 18 1 If the total number of electors in the local government area is 19 15000, and the number of councillors (other than the mayor) is 5, 20 the reasonable proportion of electors is 3000 (i.e. 15000 divided by 21 5) plus or minus 10%, i.e. between 2700 and 3300 electors. 22 2 If the total number of electors in the local government area is 5000, 23 and the number of councillors (other than the mayor) is 5, the 24 reasonable proportion of electors is 1000 (i.e. 5000 divided by 5) 25 plus or minus 20%, i.e. between 800 and 1200 electors. 26 (3) When changing the divisions of a local government area, the 27 reasonable proportion of electors must be worked out as near 28 as practicable to the time when the change is to happen. 29 Page 27

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 3 Changing a local government area, name or representation [s 16] 16 Review of divisions of local government areas 1 (1) The local government must review whether each of its 2 divisions has a reasonable proportion of electors, no later than 3 2 years before the year of the quadrennial elections for local 4 governments. 5 (2) The local government must give the electoral commissioner 6 and the Minister written notice of the results of the review. 7 Part 3 Changing a local government 8 area, name or representation 9 Division 1 Introduction 10 17 What this part is about 11 (1) This part is about making a local government change. 12 (2) A local government change is a change of-- 13 (a) the boundaries of a local government area; or 14 (b) any divisions of a local government area, other than the 15 city of Brisbane; or 16 (c) the number of councillors for a local government; or 17 (d) the name of a local government area. 18 (3) In summary, the process for making a local government 19 change is as follows-- 20 · assessment--the change commission assesses whether a 21 proposed local government change is in the public 22 interest 23 · implementation--the Governor in Council implements 24 the local government change under a regulation. 25 Page 28

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 3 Changing a local government area, name or representation [s 18] (4) The change commission, which conducts the assessment 1 phase of the process, is an independent body that is created 2 under this Act. 3 Note-- 4 See division 3 for the creation of the change commission. 5 Division 2 The process for change 6 18 Who may start the change process 7 (1) Only the Minister may apply to the change commission to 8 assess whether to alter a local government change that was 9 made under the 2007 reform process. 10 (2) The 2007 reform process is the reform process that was 11 implemented under-- 12 (a) the Local Government Reform Implementation Act 13 2007; or 14 (b) the Local Government and Other Legislation 15 (Indigenous Regional Councils) Amendment Act 2007. 16 (3) For any other local government change-- 17 (a) a local government; or 18 (b) the Minister; or 19 (c) the electoral commission; 20 may apply to the change commission to assess whether the 21 change should be made. 22 19 Assessment 23 (1) The change commission is responsible for assessing whether a 24 proposed local government change is in the public interest. 25 (2) In doing so, the change commission must consider-- 26 Page 29

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 3 Changing a local government area, name or representation [s 20] (a) whether the proposed local government change is 1 consistent with a Local Government Act; and 2 (b) the views of the Minister about the proposed local 3 government change; and 4 (c) any other matters prescribed under a regulation. 5 (3) The change commission may conduct its assessment in any 6 way that it considers appropriate. 7 (4) However, as a minimum, the change commission must-- 8 (a) ask for submissions from any local government that 9 would be affected by the proposed local government 10 change; and 11 (b) hold a public hearing (in the way set out in chapter 7, 12 part 1) to ask the public for its views about the proposed 13 local government change. 14 (5) The change commission must let the public know the results 15 of its assessment and the reasons for the results, by publishing 16 notice of the results-- 17 (a) in a newspaper that is circulating generally in the local 18 government area; and 19 (b) in the gazette; and 20 (c) on the electoral commission's website. 21 (6) The change commission must also give the results of its 22 assessment to the Minister. 23 (7) The change commission may recommend that the Governor in 24 Council implement the change commission's assessment. 25 20 Implementation 26 (1) The Governor in Council may implement the change 27 commission's recommendation under a regulation. 28 (2) The regulation may provide for anything that is necessary or 29 convenient to facilitate the implementation of the local 30 government change. 31 Page 30

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 3 Changing a local government area, name or representation [s 21] (3) For example, the regulation may provide for-- 1 (a) holding, postponing or cancelling a local government 2 election; or 3 (b) the transfer of assets and liabilities from a local 4 government to another local government. 5 (4) A local government is not liable to pay a State tax in relation 6 to a transfer or other arrangement made to implement a local 7 government change. 8 (5) A State tax is a tax, charge, fee or levy imposed under an Act, 9 other than a duty under the Duties Act 2001. 10 21 Decisions under this division are not subject to appeal 11 A decision of the change commission under this division is 12 not subject to appeal. 13 Note-- 14 See section 244 for more information. 15 Division 3 The change commission 16 22 Change commission is established 17 (1) The Local Government Change Commission (the change 18 commission) is established. 19 (2) The change commission is made up of-- 20 (a) the electoral commissioner; or 21 (b) any combination of the following persons that the 22 electoral commissioner nominates-- 23 (i) the electoral commissioner; 24 (ii) the deputy electoral commissioner; 25 (iii) a casual commissioner. 26 Page 31

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 3 Changing a local government area, name or representation [s 23] 23 Casual commissioners 1 (1) The Governor in Council may appoint the number of casual 2 commissioners that the Governor in Council considers 3 appropriate. 4 (2) The Governor in Council must appoint a qualified person to 5 be a casual commissioner. 6 (3) A person is qualified to be a casual commissioner if the 7 person-- 8 (a) has-- 9 (i) extensive knowledge of and experience in local 10 government, public administration, law, public 11 finance or community affairs; or 12 (ii) other qualifications and experience that the 13 Governor in Council considers appropriate; but 14 (b) is not-- 15 (i) a member of an Australian Parliament; or 16 (ii) a nominee for election as a member of an 17 Australian Parliament; or 18 (iii) a councillor; or 19 (iv) a nominee for election as a councillor; or 20 (v) a person who has accepted an appointment as a 21 councillor; or 22 (vi) a member of a political party; or 23 (vii) a person who has a conviction for an indictable 24 offence that is not an expired conviction. 25 (4) A casual commissioner may be appointed for a term of not 26 longer than 3 years. 27 (5) A casual commissioner holds office on the conditions 28 (including about fees and allowances, for example) that the 29 Governor in Council decides. 30 Page 32

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 2 Local governments Part 3 Changing a local government area, name or representation [s 24] (6) A casual commissioner may resign by a signed notice of 1 resignation given to the department's chief executive. 2 24 Conflict of interests 3 (1) This section applies if-- 4 (a) a person on the change commission has a direct or 5 indirect financial interest in a matter being considered, 6 or about to be considered, by the change commission; 7 and 8 (b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance 9 of the person's responsibilities for the matter. 10 (2) The person must not take part, or take any further part, in the 11 consideration of the matter. 12 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 13 (3) As soon as practicable after the person becomes aware that 14 this section applies to the matter, the person must-- 15 (a) if the person is the electoral commissioner--direct the 16 deputy electoral commissioner to constitute the change 17 commission in the electoral commissioner's place; or 18 (b) otherwise--inform the electoral commissioner. 19 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 20 (4) If subsection (3)(b) applies, the electoral commissioner must 21 take the person's place. 22 25 Annual report of change commission 23 (1) The electoral commissioner must prepare a report about the 24 change commission's operations during each financial year. 25 (2) The electoral commissioner must give a copy of the report to 26 the Minister, before the end of the first October after the 27 financial year. 28 Page 33

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 1 Local laws [s 26] (3) The Minister must table a copy of the report in the Legislative 1 Assembly, within 7 sitting days after receiving the report. 2 (4) The electoral commissioner must include the report in the 3 annual report of the electoral commission (that is prepared 4 under the Electoral Act, section 19). 5 (5) The electoral commissioner must ensure that the public can 6 inspect copies of the report-- 7 (a) at the electoral commission's office in Brisbane; and 8 (b) on the electoral commission's website. 9 Chapter 3 The business of local 10 governments 11 Part 1 Local laws 12 Division 1 Introduction 13 26 What this part is about 14 (1) This part is about local laws. 15 (2) A local law is a law made by a local government. 16 (3) Unless there is a contrary intention, a reference in this Act to a 17 local law includes a reference to-- 18 (a) an interim local law; and 19 (b) a subordinate local law; and 20 (c) a local law that is an adopted model local law. 21 (4) An interim local law is a local law that has effect for 6 months 22 or less. 23 Page 34

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 1 Local laws [s 27] (5) A subordinate local law is a local law that-- 1 (a) is made under a power contained in a local law; and 2 (b) provides for the detailed implementation of the broader 3 principles contained in the local law. 4 (6) A subordinate local law is called that because it is subordinate 5 to the local law under which it is made, so that if there is any 6 inconsistency between the subordinate local law and the local 7 law, the local law prevails to the extent of the inconsistency. 8 (7) The Minister may approve, by gazette notice, a local law as 9 being suitable for adoption by all local governments. 10 (8) This type of local law is a model local law. 11 27 Interaction with State laws 12 If there is any inconsistency between a local law and a law 13 made by the State, the law made by the State prevails to the 14 extent of the inconsistency. 15 Division 2 Making, recording and reviewing 16 local laws 17 28 Power to make a local law 18 (1) A local government may make and enforce any local law that 19 is necessary or convenient for the good rule and local 20 government of its local government area. 21 (2) However, a local government must not make a local law-- 22 (a) that sets a penalty of more than 850 penalty units for 23 each conviction of failing to comply with a local law, 24 including each conviction when there is more than 1 25 conviction for a continuing offence or repeat offence; or 26 Page 35

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 1 Local laws [s 29] (b) that purports to stop a local law being amended or 1 repealed in the future; or 2 (c) about a subject that is prohibited under division 3. 3 29 Local law making process 4 (1) Each local government may decide its own process for 5 making a local law. 6 (2) However, the process must be consistent with this section. 7 (3) The local government must consult with relevant government 8 entities about the overall State interest in a proposed local law 9 before it makes the local law, unless the local law is-- 10 (a) an interim local law; or 11 (b) a local law that is an adopted model local law; or 12 (c) a subordinate local law. 13 (4) The local government must let the public know that a local 14 law has been made, by publishing a notice of making the local 15 law-- 16 (a) in a newspaper that is circulating generally in the local 17 government area; and 18 (b) in the gazette; and 19 (c) on the local government's website. 20 (5) The notice must be published within 1 month after the day 21 when the local government made the resolution to make the 22 local law. 23 (6) The notice must state-- 24 (a) the name of the local government; and 25 (b) the date when the local government made the resolution 26 to make the local law; and 27 (c) the name of the local law; and 28 Page 36

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 1 Local laws [s 29] (d) the name of any existing local law that was amended or 1 repealed by the new local law; and 2 (e) if the local law is an adopted model local law--that fact; 3 and 4 (f) if the local law is an interim local law--that fact, and the 5 date on which the interim local law expires; and 6 (g) if the local law is a subordinate local law--the name of 7 the local law that authorises the subordinate local law to 8 be made; and 9 (h) the purpose and general effect of the local law; and 10 (i) if the local law contains an anti-competitive 11 provision--that fact; and 12 (j) that a copy of the local law may be-- 13 (i) inspected and purchased at the local government's 14 public office; and 15 (ii) inspected at the department's State office. 16 (7) As soon as practicable after the notice is published in the 17 gazette, the local government must ensure that a copy of the 18 local law may be inspected and purchased at the local 19 government's public office. 20 (8) A copy of a local law must cost no more than the cost to the 21 local government of making the copy available for purchase. 22 (9) Within 7 days after the notice is published in the gazette, the 23 local government must give the Minister-- 24 (a) a copy of the notice; and 25 (b) a copy of the local law; and 26 (c) a drafting certificate for the local law. 27 Note-- 28 See section 121 for the powers of the Minister in relation to a local law 29 that is not made according to this section. 30 Page 37

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 1 Local laws [s 30] 30 Expiry of interim local law revives previous law 1 (1) This section applies if-- 2 (a) an interim local law amends or repeals a local law; and 3 (b) the interim local law expires; and 4 (c) the interim local law is not made (either with or without 5 change) as a local law. 6 (2) When the interim local law expires-- 7 (a) the local law is revived in its previous form; and 8 (b) any subordinate local law or provision of a subordinate 9 local law, that stopped having effect because the local 10 law was amended or repealed, is revived in its previous 11 form. 12 (3) The previous form of a local law, subordinate local law, or 13 provision of a subordinate local law is the form it was in 14 immediately before the interim local law commenced. 15 (4) This section does not affect anything that was done or suffered 16 under the interim local law before it expired. 17 (5) This section applies despite the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, 18 section 19. 19 31 Local law register 20 (1) A local government must keep a register of its local laws, in 21 the way that is required under a regulation. 22 (2) The public may inspect the register at the local government's 23 public office. 24 32 Consolidated versions of local laws 25 (1) A local government may prepare and adopt a consolidated 26 version of a local law. 27 (2) A consolidated version of a local law is a document that 28 accurately combines a local government's local law, as it was 29 Page 38

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 1 Local laws [s 33] originally made, with all the amendments made to the local 1 law since the local law was originally made. 2 (3) When the local government adopts the consolidated version of 3 the local law, the consolidated version is taken to be the local 4 law, in the absence of evidence to the contrary. 5 (4) Within 7 days after the local government adopts the 6 consolidated version of the local law, the local government 7 must give a copy of the consolidated version to the Minister. 8 33 Regular review of local laws 9 A local government must regularly review the provisions of its 10 local laws (including anti-competitive provisions, for 11 example) with a view to ensuring the local laws are relevant to 12 the public interest. 13 Division 3 Local laws that can not be made 14 34 What this division is about 15 This division specifies the subjects that a local government 16 must not make a local law about. 17 35 Network connections 18 (1) A local government must not make a local law that regulates 19 network connections. 20 (2) A network connection is an installation that has the sole 21 purpose of connecting a home or other structure to an existing 22 telecommunications network. 23 (3) A local law, to the extent that it is contrary to this section, has 24 no effect. 25 Page 39

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 1 Local laws [s 36] 36 Election advertising 1 (1) A local government must not make a local law that-- 2 (a) prohibits or regulates the distribution of how-to-vote 3 cards; or 4 (b) prohibits the placement of election signs or posters. 5 (2) A how-to-vote card includes a how-to-vote card under the 6 Electoral Act or Local Government Electoral Act. 7 (3) An election sign or poster is a sign or poster that is able, or is 8 intended, to-- 9 (a) influence a person about voting at any government 10 election; or 11 (b) affect the result of any government election. 12 (4) A government election is an election for a local, State or 13 Commonwealth government. 14 (5) A local law, to the extent that it is contrary to this section, has 15 no effect. 16 37 Development processes 17 (1) A local government must not make a local law that establishes 18 an alternative development process. 19 (2) An alternative development process is a process that is 20 similar to or duplicates all or part of a process in the Planning 21 Act, chapter 3. 22 (3) However, if a local law already contains a provision that 23 establishes an alternative development process, the local 24 government-- 25 (a) may repeal the provision at any time; and 26 (b) may amend the provision until a new planning scheme 27 comes into effect in the local government area. 28 (4) A planning scheme is a planning scheme, other than a 29 transitional planning scheme, under the Planning Act. 30 Page 40

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 38] (5) This section does not apply to a local law about-- 1 (a) advertising devices; or 2 (b) gates and grids; or 3 (c) levees; or 4 (d) roadside dining; 5 until the local government decides (under the Planning Act, 6 schedule 1, section 1) to prepare its next IPA planning 7 scheme. 8 (6) A local law, to the extent that it is contrary to this section, has 9 no effect. 10 38 Anti-competitive provisions 11 (1) A local government must not make a local law that contains 12 an anti-competitive provision unless the local government has 13 complied with the procedures prescribed under a regulation 14 for the review of anti-competitive provisions. 15 (2) A local law, to the extent that it is contrary to this section, has 16 no effect. 17 Part 2 Business enterprises and 18 activities 19 Division 1 Beneficial enterprises 20 39 What this division is about 21 (1) This division is about beneficial enterprises that are conducted 22 by a local government. 23 Page 41

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 40] (2) This division does not apply to a business unit of a local 1 government. 2 (3) A beneficial enterprise is an enterprise that a local 3 government considers is directed to benefiting, and can 4 reasonably be expected to benefit, the whole or part of its 5 local government area. 6 (4) A local government is conducting a beneficial enterprise if 7 the local government is engaging in, or helping, the beneficial 8 enterprise. 9 40 Conducting beneficial enterprises 10 (1) This section applies if a local government wants to conduct a 11 beneficial enterprise. 12 (2) The local government must pass a resolution to conduct the 13 beneficial enterprise. 14 (3) When conducting the beneficial enterprise, the local 15 government must-- 16 (a) apply sound financial principles; and 17 (b) comply with the Local Government Acts. 18 (4) In order to conduct the beneficial enterprise, the local 19 government may-- 20 (a) commercially exploit the local government's tangible or 21 intangible property rights; or 22 (b) participate with an association, other than by-- 23 (i) participating with an unlimited corporation; or 24 (ii) being an unlimited partner of a partnership; or 25 (iii) entering into an agreement that does not limit the 26 liability of the local government, as between the 27 parties, to the amount committed by the local 28 government under the agreement; or 29 (iv) borrowing, or guaranteeing a borrowing. 30 Page 42

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 41] (5) A local government participates with an association if the 1 local government-- 2 (a) forms, or takes part in forming, an association; or 3 (b) becomes a member of an association; or 4 (c) takes part in the management of an association; or 5 (d) acquires or disposes of shares, debentures or securities 6 of an association. 7 (6) An association is-- 8 (a) a partnership; or 9 (b) an unlisted corporation; or 10 (c) another association of persons that is not a corporation. 11 (7) An unlisted corporation is a corporation that is limited by 12 shares but is not listed on a stock exchange. 13 41 Register of beneficial enterprises 14 (1) A local government must establish a register that includes a 15 record, for each beneficial enterprise that it conducts, of-- 16 (a) particulars of the purpose to be achieved by conducting 17 the beneficial enterprise; and 18 (b) the identity of any entity with which the local 19 government has conducted a beneficial enterprise; and 20 (c) the amount of money, or the market value of property, 21 that the local government has committed to a beneficial 22 enterprise, as at the date that the property was 23 committed. 24 (2) The public may inspect the register at the local government's 25 public office. 26 (3) The local government must give the department's chief 27 executive and the auditor-general written notice of-- 28 (a) the establishment of the register as soon as practicable 29 after it is established; and 30 Page 43

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 42] (b) the making of each entry in the register as soon as 1 practicable after the entry is made. 2 42 Planning for a beneficial enterprise with the private 3 sector 4 (1) This section applies if a local government plans to invest in a 5 beneficial enterprise that is to be conducted with the private 6 sector. 7 (2) The local government must identify the amount that is to be 8 invested, as a capital expenditure, in the local government's 9 budget. 10 (3) If the local government does not commit that amount to the 11 beneficial enterprise in the financial year of that budget, the 12 amount may be carried forward to the next financial year for 13 the beneficial enterprise. 14 (4) Any amount that is carried forward must be held in a reserve 15 established by the local government in its operating fund, 16 until the amount is lawfully applied. 17 (5) A regulation may prescribe the maximum number of years 18 that an amount can be carried forward. 19 (6) A local government must get the approval of the department's 20 chief executive before the local government may-- 21 (a) invest in a beneficial enterprise when the local 22 government has not identified the amount of the 23 investment as a capital expenditure in its budget; or 24 (b) invest in a beneficial enterprise an amount prescribed 25 under a regulation. 26 (7) If the department's chief executive does not give the local 27 government written notice of his or her decision about the 28 approval, within 30 days after the approval is sought, the 29 department's chief executive is taken to have refused the 30 approval on the 31st day after the approval was sought. 31 (8) If a local government fails to comply with this section, the 32 department's chief executive may-- 33 Page 44

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 43] (a) publish notice of the failure in a newspaper that is 1 circulating generally in the local government area; or 2 (b) direct the local government to publish notice of the 3 failure on the local government's website. 4 Division 2 Business reform, including 5 competitive neutrality 6 43 What this division is about 7 (1) This division is about the application of the National 8 Competition Policy Agreements in relation to the significant 9 business activities of a local government. 10 (2) This includes the application of the competitive neutrality 11 principle if, in the circumstances, the public benefit (in terms 12 of service quality and cost) outweighs the costs of 13 implementation. 14 (3) Under the competitive neutrality principle, an entity that is 15 conducting a business activity in competition with the private 16 sector should not enjoy a net advantage over competitors only 17 because the entity is in the public sector. 18 (4) A significant business activity is a business activity of a local 19 government that-- 20 (a) is conducted in competition, or potential competition, 21 with the private sector (including off-street parking, 22 quarries, sporting facilities, for example); and 23 (b) meets the threshold prescribed under a regulation. 24 (5) However, a significant business activity does not include a 25 business activity that is-- 26 (a) a building certifying activity; or 27 (b) a roads activity; or 28 (c) related to the provision of library services. 29 Page 45

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 44] Note-- 1 A building certifying activity or roads activity is dealt with under 2 section 47. 3 44 Ways to apply the competitive neutrality principle 4 (1) The competitive neutrality principle may be applied by-- 5 (a) commercialisation of a significant business activity; or 6 (b) corporatisation of a significant business activity; or 7 (c) full cost pricing of a significant business activity. 8 (2) Commercialisation involves creating a new business unit, that 9 is part of the local government, to conduct the significant 10 business activity on a commercial basis. 11 (3) Corporatisation involves creating a new corporate entity, that 12 is not part of the local government but is directly or indirectly 13 owned by the local government, to conduct the significant 14 business activity on a commercial basis. 15 (4) Full cost pricing involves pricing the significant business 16 activity on a commercial basis, but without creating a new 17 business unit or new corporate entity. 18 (5) A regulation may provide for-- 19 (a) matters relating to corporatisation, commercialisation or 20 full cost pricing; or 21 (b) any other matter relating to the application of the 22 competitive neutrality principle to the significant 23 business activities of a local government. 24 45 Identifying significant business activities 25 A local government's annual report for each financial year 26 must-- 27 (a) contain a list of all the business activities that the local 28 government conducted during the financial year; and 29 Page 46

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 46] (b) identify the business activities that are significant 1 business activities; and 2 (c) state whether or not the code of competitive conduct 3 was applied to the significant business activities, and if 4 the code was not applied, the reason why it was not 5 applied; and 6 Note-- 7 See section 47 for more information on the code of competitive 8 conduct. 9 (d) state whether any of the significant business activities 10 were not conducted in the preceding financial year, i.e. 11 whether there are any new significant business 12 activities. 13 46 Assessing public benefit 14 (1) This section applies to a new significant business activity that 15 is identified in the annual report of a local government. 16 (2) The local government must conduct a public benefit 17 assessment of the new significant business activity. 18 (3) A public benefit assessment is an assessment of whether the 19 benefit to the public (in terms of service quality and cost) of 20 applying the competitive neutrality principle in relation to a 21 significant business activity outweighs the costs of applying 22 the competitive neutrality principle. 23 (4) The local government must conduct the public benefit 24 assessment before the end of the financial year in which the 25 significant business activity is first identified in the annual 26 report. 27 (5) The local government must prepare a report on the public 28 benefit assessment that contains its recommendations about 29 the application of the competitive neutrality principle in 30 relation to the significant business activity. 31 (6) At a meeting of the local government, the local government 32 must-- 33 Page 47

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 47] (a) consider the report; and 1 (b) decide, by resolution, whether or not to apply the 2 competitive neutrality principle in relation to the 3 significant business activity. 4 (7) Any resolution that the competitive neutrality principle should 5 not be applied must include a statement of the reasons why it 6 should not be applied. 7 (8) The local government must give the Minister a copy of-- 8 (a) the report; and 9 (b) all resolutions made in relation to the report. 10 (9) If the local government decides not to apply the competitive 11 neutrality principle in relation to the significant business 12 activity, the local government must, within 3 years after 13 making the decision, repeat the process in this section. 14 (10) Subsection (9) also applies to a decision that was made before 15 the commencement of this section. 16 47 Code of competitive conduct 17 (1) This section is about the code of competitive conduct. 18 (2) The code of competitive conduct is the code of competitive 19 conduct prescribed under a regulation. 20 (3) A local government must apply the code of competitive 21 conduct to the conduct of the following business activities of 22 the local government-- 23 (a) a building certifying activity; 24 (b) a roads activity, other than a roads activity for which 25 business is conducted only through a sole supplier 26 arrangement. 27 (4) A building certifying activity is a business activity that-- 28 (a) involves performing building certifying functions 29 (within the meaning of the Building Act, section 8); and 30 Page 48

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 48] (b) is prescribed under a regulation. 1 (5) A roads activity is a business activity (other than a business 2 activity prescribed under a regulation) that involves-- 3 (a) constructing or maintaining a State-controlled road, that 4 the State put out to competitive tender; or 5 (b) submitting a competitive tender in relation to-- 6 (i) constructing or maintaining a road in the local 7 government area, that the local government put out 8 to competitive tender; or 9 (ii) constructing or maintaining a road in another local 10 government area, that the other local government 11 put out to competitive tender. 12 (6) The local government must start to apply the code of 13 competitive conduct-- 14 (a) for a building certifying activity--from the start of the 15 financial year after the financial year in which the 16 building certifying activity is first conducted; or 17 (b) for a roads activity--from when the roads activity is first 18 conducted. 19 (7) A local government must decide each financial year, by 20 resolution, whether or not to apply the code of competitive 21 conduct to any other business activities. 22 48 Competitive neutrality complaints 23 (1) A local government must adopt a process for resolving 24 competitive neutrality complaints. 25 (2) A competitive neutrality complaint is a complaint that-- 26 (a) relates to the failure of a local government to conduct a 27 business activity in accordance with the competitive 28 neutrality principle; and 29 (b) is made by an affected person. 30 (3) An affected person is-- 31 Page 49

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 49] (a) a person who-- 1 (i) competes with the local government in relation to 2 the business activity; and 3 (ii) claims to be adversely affected by a competitive 4 advantage that the person alleges is enjoyed by the 5 local government; or 6 (b) a person who-- 7 (i) wants to compete with the local government in 8 relation to the business activity; and 9 (ii) claims to be hindered from doing so by a 10 competitive advantage that the person alleges is 11 enjoyed by the local government. 12 (4) A regulation may provide for the process for resolving 13 competitive neutrality complaints. 14 Division 3 Responsibilities and liabilities of 15 employees of corporate entities 16 49 Director's duty to disclose interest in a matter 17 (1) This section applies if a director on the board of directors of a 18 corporate entity has a direct or indirect interest in a matter that 19 is being considered, or about to be considered, by the board of 20 directors. 21 (2) The director must immediately disclose the nature of the 22 interest to a meeting of the board of directors. 23 Maximum penalty--200 penalty units. 24 (3) The disclosure must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting 25 of the board of directors. 26 (4) If the director's interest is a material personal interest, the 27 director must not-- 28 (a) vote on the matter; or 29 Page 50

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 50] (b) vote on a proposed resolution under subsection (5) in 1 relation to the matter (a related resolution), whether in 2 relation to the director or another director; or 3 (c) be present while the matter, or a related resolution, is 4 being considered by the board of directors; or 5 (d) otherwise take part in any decision of the board of 6 directors in relation to the matter or a related resolution. 7 Maximum penalty--100 penalty units. 8 (5) Subsection (4) does not apply to a matter if the board of 9 directors has, at any time, passed a resolution that-- 10 (a) states the director, the interest and the matter; and 11 (b) states that the directors voting for the resolution are 12 satisfied that the interest should not disqualify the 13 director from considering or voting on the matter. 14 (6) There is a quorum at the meeting only if there are at least 2 15 directors present who are entitled to vote on any motion that 16 may be moved in relation to the matter. 17 (7) If there is no quorum, the corporate entity's shareholder may 18 deal with the matter by signing a consent to a proposed 19 resolution. 20 50 Obligations of a corporate entity's employees 21 (1) This section applies to an employee of a corporate entity in 22 the exercise of the powers, or discharge of the responsibilities, 23 of an employee of the corporate entity. 24 (2) The employee must exercise the degree of care and diligence 25 that a reasonable person in a like position in another corporate 26 entity would exercise in the circumstances. 27 Maximum penalty--100 penalty units. 28 (3) When deciding the degree of care and diligence that a 29 reasonable person in a like position in another corporate entity 30 would exercise in the circumstances, regard must be had to-- 31 Page 51

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 51] (a) all relevant matters, including for example-- 1 (i) the corporate entity's obligations; and 2 (ii) any directions or approvals given to the corporate 3 entity by its shareholder; and 4 (b) any matter prescribed under a regulation. 5 (4) This section-- 6 (a) applies in addition to, and does not limit, any rule of law 7 relating to the duty or liability of a person because of the 8 person's office in the corporate entity; and 9 (b) does not prevent civil proceedings being started for a 10 breach of the duty or liability. 11 51 Corporate entity must not insure against certain liabilities 12 of employees 13 (1) A corporate entity must not-- 14 (a) enter into a liability insurance contract; or 15 (b) pay, or agree to pay, a premium in relation to a liability 16 insurance contract. 17 (2) A liability insurance contract is a contract to insure an 18 employee of a corporate entity against any liability that arises 19 out of a wilful breach of duty in relation to the corporate entity 20 (including a contravention of section 50, for example). 21 (3) However, a liability insurance contract does not include a 22 contract to insure an employee of a corporate entity against 23 any costs and expenses that the employee incurs in defending 24 proceedings for a wilful breach of duty in relation to the 25 corporate entity. 26 (4) Pay a premium includes pay a premium indirectly through 1 27 or more interposed entities. 28 (5) An employee of a corporate entity includes a person who was 29 an employee of a corporate entity. 30 Page 52

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 52] (6) Any liability insurance contract that the corporate entity 1 enters into is void. 2 52 When a corporate entity is not to indemnify employees 3 (1) This section applies to-- 4 (a) a person who is an employee of a corporate entity; and 5 (b) a person who was an employee of a corporate entity. 6 (2) The corporate entity must not exempt the person from a 7 liability incurred as an employee. 8 (3) However, with the prior approval of the corporate entity's 9 shareholder, the corporate entity may indemnify the person 10 against-- 11 (a) a civil liability, other than a civil liability-- 12 (i) to the corporate entity or its subsidiary; or 13 (ii) that arises out of conduct involving a lack of good 14 faith; or 15 (b) any costs and expenses incurred by the person-- 16 (i) in successfully defending proceedings for the 17 liability; or 18 (ii) in connection with an application in relation to a 19 proceeding in which relief is granted to the person 20 by a court. 21 (4) Indemnify includes indemnify indirectly through 1 or more 22 interposed entities. 23 (5) A contract is void so far as it exempts or indemnifies an 24 employee of a corporate entity in contravention of this 25 section. 26 53 Prohibition on loans to directors 27 (1) A corporate entity must not, either directly or indirectly, make 28 or guarantee a loan to-- 29 Page 53

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 54] (a) a director; or 1 (b) a director's spouse; or 2 (c) a relative of a director or a director's spouse; 3 unless the agreement for the loan or guarantee is entered into 4 on the same terms as similar agreements are entered into by 5 the corporate entity with members of the public. 6 (2) Guarantee a loan includes provide a security in connection 7 with the loan. 8 (3) A director of the corporate entity who knowingly agrees to the 9 loan or guarantee by the corporate entity in contravention of 10 this section (whether or not in relation to the director) 11 commits an offence. 12 Maximum penalty for subsection (3)--100 penalty units. 13 54 Duty to prevent insolvent trading 14 (1) This section applies if-- 15 (a) immediately before a corporate entity incurs a debt, 16 there are reasonable grounds to suspect-- 17 (i) that the corporate entity will not be able to pay all 18 its debts as and when they become payable; or 19 (ii) that, if the corporate entity incurs the debt, it will 20 not be able to pay all its debts as and when they 21 become payable; and 22 (b) the corporate entity is, or later becomes, unable to pay 23 all its debts as and when they become payable. 24 (2) The following persons commit an offence-- 25 (a) a person who is a director of the corporate entity's board 26 of directors when the debt is incurred; 27 (b) a person who takes part in the corporate entity's 28 management when the debt is incurred. 29 Page 54

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 54] Maximum penalty--100 penalty units or 1 year's 1 imprisonment. 2 (3) However, it is a defence for the person to prove-- 3 (a) that the debt was incurred without the person's express 4 or implied consent; or 5 (b) that, when the debt was incurred, the person did not 6 have reasonable cause to suspect-- 7 (i) that the corporate entity would not be able to pay 8 all its debts as and when they became payable; or 9 (ii) that, if the corporate entity incurred the debt, it 10 would not be able to pay all its debts as and when 11 they became payable; or 12 (c) that the person took all reasonable steps to prevent the 13 corporate entity from incurring the debt; or 14 (d) for a director--that the person did not take part in the 15 corporate entity's management at the time because of 16 illness or another good reason. 17 (4) If the person is found guilty of the offence, the Supreme Court 18 or District Court may declare that the person is personally 19 liable to pay a part of the corporate entity's debts that the court 20 considers appropriate in the circumstances. 21 (5) Subsection (4)-- 22 (a) applies in addition to, and does not limit, any rule of law 23 about the duty or liability of a person because of the 24 person's office in the corporate entity; and 25 (b) does not prevent proceedings being instituted for a 26 breach of the duty or liability. 27 (6) However, subsection (4) does not affect any rights of a person 28 to indemnity, subrogation or contribution. 29 Page 55

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 55] 55 Order for examination of persons concerned with 1 corporate entities 2 (1) This section applies if a local government or the 3 Attorney-General believes, on reasonable grounds, that-- 4 (a) a person may be able to give information about a 5 corporate entity's management, administration or 6 affairs; or 7 (b) a person who has been concerned, or taken part, in a 8 corporate entity's management, administration or affairs 9 has been, or may have been, guilty of fraud or 10 malpractice in relation to the corporate entity. 11 (2) Malpractice includes negligence, default, breach of trust or 12 breach of duty. 13 (3) The local government or Attorney-General may apply to the 14 Supreme Court or District Court for an order for the person to 15 be examined by the court about the corporate entity's 16 management, administration or affairs. 17 (4) However, a local government may only make an application 18 in relation to its own corporate entity. 19 (5) If a local government makes an application, the local 20 government must advise the Attorney-General. 21 (6) If the Attorney-General makes an application, the 22 Attorney-General must advise the corporate entity's local 23 government. 24 (7) If the court is satisfied that it is reasonable and appropriate for 25 the person to be examined, the court may order the person to 26 attend before the court at a time and place fixed by the court 27 for examination. 28 (8) The person must-- 29 (a) attend as required by the order, unless the person has a 30 reasonable excuse; and 31 (b) continue to attend until excused by the court, unless the 32 person has a reasonable excuse. 33 Page 56

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 56] Maximum penalty--200 penalty units or 2 years 1 imprisonment. 2 (9) The examination must be held in public, unless the court 3 considers it is desirable to hold the examination in private 4 because of special circumstances. 5 (10) The court may give directions about-- 6 (a) the matters to be inquired into at the examination; and 7 (b) the procedures to be followed at the examination 8 (including the persons who may be at the examination if 9 the examination is to be held in private, for example). 10 56 Examination of persons concerned with corporate 11 entities 12 (1) This section applies to a person who has been ordered, under 13 section 55, to attend an examination. 14 (2) The person must not fail to take an oath or make an 15 affirmation at the examination. 16 Maximum penalty--200 penalty units or 2 years 17 imprisonment. 18 (3) The person must answer any question that the person is 19 directed by the court to answer. 20 Maximum penalty--200 penalty units or 2 years 21 imprisonment. 22 (4) The person is not excused from answering a question because 23 the answer might tend to incriminate the person or make the 24 person liable to a penalty. 25 (5) However, if the answer might in fact tend to incriminate the 26 person or make the person liable to a penalty, the person's 27 answer is not admissible in evidence against the person in 28 proceedings for an offence or the imposition of a penalty, 29 other than proceedings for an offence-- 30 (a) against this section; or 31 Page 57

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 56] (b) in relation to the falsity of the person's answer. 1 (6) The person must not knowingly make a statement at the 2 examination that is false or misleading in a material 3 particular. 4 Maximum penalty--500 penalty units or 5 years 5 imprisonment. 6 (7) The court may-- 7 (a) require the questions put to the person, and the answers 8 given by the person, at the examination to be recorded in 9 writing; and 10 (b) require the person to sign the record. 11 (8) Subject to subsection (5), a written record of the examination 12 that is signed by the person, or a transcript of the examination 13 that is authenticated by the examiner's signature, may be used 14 in evidence in proceedings against the person. 15 (9) The person may be directed by the court (whether in the order 16 or by a subsequent direction) to produce a document in the 17 person's possession, or under the person's control, that is 18 relevant to the matters about which the person is to be, or is 19 being, examined. 20 (10) The person must not contravene the direction, unless the 21 person has a reasonable excuse. 22 Maximum penalty--200 penalty units or 2 years 23 imprisonment. 24 (11) If the court directs the person to produce a document and the 25 person has a lien on the document, the production of the 26 document does not prejudice the lien. 27 (12) The person may, at the person's own expense, employ a 28 lawyer, and the lawyer may put to the person questions that 29 the court considers are just to enable the person to explain or 30 qualify any answers given by the person. 31 (13) The court may adjourn the examination from time to time. 32 Page 58

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 57] (14) The court may order the whole or any part of the costs that are 1 incurred by the person to be paid by-- 2 (a) if the application was made by the 3 Attorney-General--the State; or 4 (b) if the application was made by a local government--the 5 local government. 6 57 Relief from liability for malpractice 7 (1) An employee of a corporate entity may apply to the Supreme 8 Court or District Court for relief against any claim made 9 against the employee for malpractice in relation to the 10 corporate entity. 11 (2) Malpractice includes negligence, default, breach of trust or 12 breach of duty, but does not include fraud. 13 (3) If the court considers-- 14 (a) that the employee has, or may have, been guilty of the 15 malpractice; but 16 (b) that the employee-- 17 (i) acted honestly; and 18 (ii) should be excused for the malpractice, having 19 regard to all the circumstances (including 20 circumstances connected with the employee's 21 appointment); 22 the court may relieve the employee (in whole or part) from 23 liability for the malpractice, on the terms that the court 24 considers appropriate. 25 (4) If the court makes this decision in proceedings that are being 26 tried with a jury, the court may-- 27 (a) withdraw the case (in whole or part) from the jury; and 28 (b) direct that judgement be entered for the employee on the 29 terms (as to costs or otherwise) that the court considers 30 appropriate. 31 Page 59

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 2 Business enterprises and activities [s 58] (5) The court may make an order under this section even if 1 proceedings have not yet been brought against the employee 2 for malpractice. 3 58 False or misleading information 4 (1) This section applies to an employee of a corporate entity in 5 the exercise of the powers, and the discharge of the 6 responsibilities, of an employee of the corporate entity. 7 (2) An employee of a corporate entity commits an offence if the 8 employee gives information (either orally or in a document) 9 about the corporate entity's affairs, that the employee knows is 10 false or misleading in a material particular, to any of the 11 following persons-- 12 (a) another employee of the corporate entity; 13 (b) the corporate entity's shareholder; 14 (c) the corporate entity's local government; 15 (d) a councillor of the corporate entity's local government. 16 Maximum penalty-- 17 (a) if the offence was committed with an intent to 18 defraud--500 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment; or 19 (b) otherwise--100 penalty units. 20 (3) However, the employee does not commit an offence in 21 relation to information in a document if, when the employee 22 gives the document to the other person-- 23 (a) the employee tells the other person that the document is 24 false or misleading, and in what respect the document is 25 false or misleading; and 26 (b) if the employee has, or can reasonably obtain, the 27 correct information--the employee gives the other 28 person the correct information. 29 Page 60

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 59] Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure 1 Division 1 Roads 2 59 What this division is about 3 (1) This division is about roads. 4 (2) A road is-- 5 (a) an area of land that is dedicated to public use as a road; 6 or 7 (b) an area of land that-- 8 (i) is developed for, or has as 1 of its main uses, the 9 driving or riding of motor vehicles; and 10 (ii) is open to, or used by, the public; or 11 (c) a footpath or bicycle path; or 12 (d) a bridge, culvert, ferry, ford, punt, tunnel or viaduct. 13 (3) However, a road does not include-- 14 (a) a State-controlled road; or 15 (b) a public thoroughfare easement. 16 60 Control of roads 17 (1) A local government has control of all roads in its local 18 government area. 19 (2) This control includes being able to-- 20 (a) survey and resurvey roads; and 21 (b) construct, maintain and improve roads; and 22 (c) approve the naming and numbering of private roads; and 23 (d) name and number other roads; and 24 Page 61

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 61] (e) make a local law to regulate the use of roads, 1 including-- 2 (i) the movement of traffic on roads, subject to the 3 Transport Operations (Road Use Management) 4 Act 1995; and 5 (ii) the parking of vehicles on roads, subject to the 6 Transport Operations (Road Use Management) 7 Act 1995 (including the maximum time that a 8 vehicle may be parked in a designated rest area that 9 adjoins a road, for example); and 10 (iii) by imposing obligations on the owner of land that 11 adjoins a road (including an obligation to fence the 12 land to prevent animals going on the road, for 13 example); and 14 (f) make a local law to regulate the construction, 15 maintenance and use of-- 16 (i) public utilities along, in, over or under roads; and 17 (ii) ancillary works and encroachments along, in, over 18 or under roads; and 19 (g) realign a road in order to widen the road; and 20 (h) acquire land for use as a road. 21 61 Notice of intention to acquire land to widen a road 22 (1) If a local government wants to acquire land in order to widen 23 a road, the local government must give the owner of the land a 24 notice of intention to acquire land. 25 (2) A notice of intention to acquire land informs the owner in 26 general terms of this section and section 62. 27 (3) However, a local government can not, without the consent of 28 the Planning and Environment Court, serve notice of intention 29 to acquire land on an owner of land after the owner has 30 applied to the court-- 31 (a) for approval to subdivide the land; or 32 Page 62

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 62] (b) for approval, consent or permission-- 1 (i) to erect or use a structure on the land; or 2 (ii) to use the land for any other purpose. 3 (4) The court may consent to the notice of intention to acquire 4 land being served only if the court is satisfied that the purpose 5 of the notice is to enable the local government to make, in 6 good faith, a reasonable widening of the road. 7 (5) After a local government gives an owner a notice of intention 8 to acquire land, the owner must not erect, place, re-erect, 9 replace or repair any structure, or part of a structure, on the 10 land without the local government's permission. 11 (6) The local government must lodge a copy of a notice of 12 intention to acquire land with the registrar of titles for 13 registration on the instrument of title to the land. 14 (7) The registrar of titles may register the notice of intention to 15 acquire land even if the instrument of title is not produced. 16 62 Compensation for a notice of intention to acquire land 17 (1) This section applies to a person who is served with a notice of 18 intention to acquire land, if the person would be entitled to 19 claim compensation for the acquisition of land. 20 (2) The person is entitled to compensation from the local 21 government for injurious affection to the person's interest in 22 the land because of the notice of intention to acquire land. 23 (3) However, the compensation is not payable until-- 24 (a) the land is sold for the first time after the notice of 25 intention to acquire land was served; or 26 (b) after being served with the notice of intention to acquire 27 land, the owner of the land offers the land for sale in 28 good faith, but can not sell the land for a fair and 29 reasonable price. 30 (4) The compensation must be assessed in accordance with the 31 following principles-- 32 Page 63

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 63] (a) the amount of compensation must represent the 1 difference between-- 2 (i) the market value of the interest in the land 3 immediately after service of the notice of intention 4 to acquire land; and 5 (ii) what would be the market value of the interest in 6 the land, at that time, if the notice had not been 7 served; 8 (b) any benefit that may accrue, because of the realignment 9 of the road, to land adjacent to the land that is affected 10 by the realignment of the road, and in which the 11 claimant has an interest, must be taken into account; 12 (c) the amount of compensation must not be increased 13 because the land that is affected by the realignment of 14 the road has, since the service of the notice of intention 15 to acquire land, become or ceased to be separate from 16 other land. 17 (5) A claim for compensation must be made-- 18 (a) within 3 years after the entitlement to compensation 19 arose; and 20 (b) to the chief executive officer in the approved form. 21 (6) The claim is taken to have been properly made when the 22 claimant has given the local government all the information 23 that the local government reasonably requires to decide the 24 claim. 25 (7) If, within 30 days after the claim is made, the local 26 government has not given the claimant written notice of its 27 decision on the claim, the local government is taken to have 28 refused compensation on the 31st day after the claim is made. 29 63 Appeal on a claim for compensation 30 (1) A person who is aggrieved by the decision of a local 31 government on a claim for compensation may appeal against 32 the decision to the Planning and Environment Court. 33 Page 64

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 64] (2) The appeal must be started within 30 days after-- 1 (a) notice of the decision is given to the claimant; or 2 (b) the decision is taken to have been made. 3 (3) In order to award compensation, the Planning and 4 Environment Court must be satisfied-- 5 (a) if the land has been sold-- 6 (i) the seller took reasonable steps to obtain a 7 reasonable price for the land; and 8 (ii) the seller sold the land in good faith; and 9 (iii) the sale price is less than the seller might 10 reasonably have expected to receive had there been 11 no notice of intention to acquire land; or 12 (b) if a local government refused the owner permission to 13 erect, place, re-erect, replace or repair any structure, or 14 part of a structure, on the land--the permission was 15 applied for in good faith. 16 64 Acquisition of land instead of compensation 17 (1) After a notice of intention to acquire land is served, but before 18 the land is sold, the local government may acquire the land 19 instead of paying compensation for injurious affection. 20 (2) If, after a notice of intention to acquire land is served, the land 21 is cleared of all structures-- 22 (a) the local government may acquire the land; and 23 (b) if required by the owner of the land, the local 24 government must acquire the land. 25 (3) The acquired land must be dedicated for public use as a road 26 within 3 months after its acquisition. 27 (4) Compensation for the acquisition of the land, if not agreed 28 between the parties, must be assessed as at the date of the 29 acquisition. 30 Page 65

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 65] 65 What is to happen if a realignment is not carried out 1 (1) This section applies if a local government decides not to 2 proceed with the realignment of a road or part of a road after 3 giving a notice of intention to acquire land. 4 (2) This section does not apply to a realignment of road that is 5 necessary to comply with the requirements of a local 6 government under a planning scheme in its application to 7 particular developments in the local government area. 8 (3) The local government must serve notice of its decision not to 9 proceed on all owners of land who were served with a notice 10 of intention to acquire land in connection with that road or 11 part of that road. 12 (4) With regard to any of the notices of intention to acquire land 13 that were lodged with the registrar of titles in connection with 14 that road or part of that road, the local government must-- 15 (a) for any notice of intention to acquire land that has not 16 been registered--withdraw the notice of intention to 17 acquire land; and 18 (b) for any notice of intention to acquire land that has been 19 registered--lodge with the registrar of titles for 20 registration a notice of its decision not to proceed with 21 the realignment of the road, or part of the road. 22 (5) The notice of the local government's decision must inform the 23 owners in general terms of this section and section 66. 24 66 Compensation if realignment not carried out 25 (1) This section applies if-- 26 (a) a local government decides not to proceed with the 27 realignment of a road or part of a road after giving a 28 notice of intention to acquire land; and 29 (b) the local government has made structural improvements 30 on land that adjoins the road on the basis of the 31 proposed realignment being effected. 32 Page 66

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 67] (2) The local government must pay the owner of the land 1 reasonable compensation for the decrease in value of the land 2 because of the decision. 3 (3) The amount of compensation is the difference between the 4 value of the land before and after the decision. 5 (4) If the local government and the owner fail to agree on the 6 amount of compensation, the amount is to be decided by the 7 Land Court. 8 (5) The provisions of the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 about the 9 making, hearing and deciding of claims for compensation for 10 land taken under that Act apply, with any necessary changes 11 and any changes prescribed under a regulation, to claims for 12 compensation under this section. 13 (6) The local government's decision not to proceed with the 14 realignment of a road, or part of a road, does not give rise to 15 an entitlement to compensation to, or a cause of action by, any 16 owner or occupier of land or other person other than under 17 this section. 18 67 Acquiring land for use as a footpath 19 (1) A local government may acquire land that adjoins a road for 20 use as a footpath. 21 (2) The acquisition of land may be subject to a reservation, in 22 favour of the owner of the land, of any of the following rights 23 that the local government decides (at or before the 24 acquisition) is appropriate-- 25 (a) a right to the ownership, possession, occupation and use 26 of any existing structure, room or cellar-- 27 (i) at a specified height above the level of the new 28 footpath; or 29 (ii) at a specified depth below the level of the new 30 footpath; 31 (b) a right-- 32 Page 67

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 68] (i) to erect a structure (in accordance with law) at a 1 specified height above the new footpath; and 2 (ii) to the ownership, possession, occupation and use 3 of the structure; 4 (c) a right of support for a structure mentioned in paragraph 5 (a) or (b). 6 (3) The right mentioned in subsection (2)(a) is subject to the local 7 government's right to enter, and make structural alterations to, 8 the structure, room or cellar that the local government 9 considers necessary. 10 68 Notice to local government of opening or closing of roads 11 (1) This section applies if an application is made under the Land 12 Act for the opening or closing of a road in a local government 13 area by someone other than the local government. 14 (2) The Land Act Minister, or the applicant for the application, 15 must give written notice of the application to the local 16 government. 17 (3) The Land Act Minister is the Minister administering the Land 18 Act. 19 (4) The notice must specify a date (no earlier than 1 month or 20 later than 2 months after the local government is given the 21 notice) on or before which the local government may object to 22 the opening or closing of the road. 23 (5) An objection must fully state the reasons for the objection. 24 (6) The Land Act Minister must have regard to any objections 25 properly made by the local government. 26 (7) If the Land Act Minister decides the road should be opened or 27 closed, the Land Act Minister must give written notice to the 28 local government-- 29 (a) of the decision; and 30 (b) if the decision is contrary to the local government's 31 objection, the reasons for the decision. 32 Page 68

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 69] 69 Closing roads 1 (1) A local government may close a road (permanently or 2 temporarily) to traffic or particular traffic, if there is another 3 road or route reasonably available for use by the traffic. 4 (2) Also, the local government may close a road to traffic-- 5 (a) during a temporary obstruction to traffic; or 6 (b) if it is in the interests of public safety; or 7 (c) if it is necessary or desirable to close the road for a 8 temporary purpose (including a fair, for example). 9 (3) The local government must publish notice of the closing of 10 the road, in the way that the local government considers 11 appropriate (including on its website, for example). 12 (4) The local government may do everything necessary to stop 13 traffic using the road after it is closed. 14 (5) If a road is closed to traffic for a temporary purpose, the local 15 government may permit the use of any part of the road 16 (including for the erection of any structure, for example) on 17 the conditions the local government considers appropriate. 18 70 Temporary roads 19 (1) This section applies if-- 20 (a) a local government wants to remake or repair a road; 21 and 22 (b) it is not reasonably practicable to temporarily close the 23 road to traffic while the road works are conducted. 24 (2) The local government may make a temporary road, through 25 land that adjoins the road, to be used while the road is being 26 remade or repaired. 27 (3) However, a local government employee or contractor may 28 enter the land only if-- 29 Page 69

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 70] (a) the owner or occupier of the land has agreed, in writing 1 that the local government employee or contractor may 2 enter the land; or 3 (b) the local government has given the owner or occupier of 4 the land at least 3 days written notice that states-- 5 (i) the nature of the road works that are to be 6 conducted; and 7 (ii) the proposed route of the temporary road; and 8 (iii) an approximate period when the temporary road is 9 expected to remain on the land. 10 (4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the road works must be 11 urgently conducted, but the local government must give the 12 owner or occupier of the land oral notice of the matters 13 mentioned in subsection (3)(b). 14 (5) The owner of the land may give the chief executive officer a 15 written notice that claims compensation for physical damage 16 caused by the local government entering, occupying or using 17 the land under this section. 18 (6) Compensation is not payable unless the chief executive officer 19 receives the claim-- 20 (a) within 1 year after the occupation or use has ended; or 21 (b) at a later time allowed by the chief executive officer. 22 (7) The compensation equals-- 23 (a) the amount agreed between the person and local 24 government; or 25 (b) if the person and local government can not agree, the 26 amount that is decided by a court. 27 (8) However, the compensation must not be more than the 28 compensation that would have been awarded if the land had 29 been acquired. 30 Page 70

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 71] 71 Road levels 1 (1) The owner or occupier of land that adjoins a road may give 2 written notice to the local government requiring it to advise 3 the owner or occupier of the permanent level that is fixed or to 4 be fixed for the road. 5 (2) If the local government has not, within 6 months after 6 receiving the notice, given the owner or occupier written 7 advice about the permanent level of the road, the local 8 government is taken to have fixed the apparent level of the 9 road when the notice was given as the permanent level of the 10 road. 11 (3) If-- 12 (a) after a local government has fixed the permanent level 13 of a road, the local government changes the level of the 14 road; and 15 (b) the owner or occupier of land that adjoins the road is 16 injuriously affected by the change; 17 the local government must pay the owner or occupier, or their 18 successor in title, compensation. 19 (4) The compensation equals-- 20 (a) the amount that is agreed between the owner or 21 occupier, or their successor in title, and the local 22 government; or 23 (b) if the owner or occupier, or their successor in title, and 24 the local government can not agree--the amount that is 25 decided by the Planning and Environment Court. 26 72 Assessment of impacts on roads from certain activities 27 (1) This section applies if-- 28 (a) a regulation prescribes an activity for this section; and 29 (b) a local government considers that the conduct of the 30 activity is having, or will have, a significant adverse 31 impact on a road in the local government area; and 32 Page 71

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 73] (c) the activity is not for-- 1 (i) a significant project under the State Development 2 and Public Works Organisation Act 1971; or 3 (ii) a development declared under the local 4 government's planning scheme to be assessable 5 development; or 6 (iii) a road being built under the Land Act, section 110. 7 (2) The local government may require the entity that is 8 conducting the activity to provide information, within a 9 reasonable time, that will enable the local government to 10 assess the impact of the activity on the road. 11 (3) After assessing the impact of the activity on the road, the local 12 government may decide to do 1 or more of the following-- 13 (a) give the entity a direction about the use of the road to 14 lessen the impact; 15 (b) require the entity-- 16 (i) to carry out works to lessen the impact; or 17 (ii) to pay an amount as compensation for the impact. 18 (4) The local government may require the works to be carried out 19 or the amount to be paid before the impact commences or 20 intensifies. 21 (5) The amount of compensation is a debt payable to the local 22 government and may be recovered in a court. 23 (6) A regulation for this section-- 24 (a) must contain a process under which the local 25 government's decision may be reviewed; and 26 (b) may contain a process for enforcing the decision. 27 73 Categorisation of roads 28 A local government must categorise the roads in its local 29 government area according to the surface of the road. 30 Page 72

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 74] 74 Roads map and register 1 (1) A local government must prepare and keep up-to-date-- 2 (a) a map of every road, including private roads, in its local 3 government area; and 4 (b) a register of the roads that shows-- 5 (i) the category of every road; and 6 (ii) the level of every road that has a fixed level; and 7 (iii) other particulars prescribed under a regulation. 8 (2) The register of roads may also show other particulars that the 9 local government considers appropriate. 10 (3) The public may inspect the map and register at the local 11 government's public office. 12 (4) On application and payment of a reasonable fee fixed under a 13 resolution or local law, a person may obtain-- 14 (a) a copy of a map or register of roads; or 15 (b) a certificate signed by an employee of the local 16 government who is authorised for the purpose-- 17 (i) about the category, alignment and levels of roads in 18 its area; or 19 (ii) about the fact that the alignment or level of a road 20 in its area has not been fixed. 21 75 Unauthorised works on roads 22 (1) This section applies to a road in a local government area. 23 (2) A person must not, without lawful excuse (including under 24 another Act, for example), or the written approval of the local 25 government-- 26 (a) carry out works on a road; or 27 (b) interfere with a road or its operation. 28 Maximum penalty--200 penalty units. 29 Page 73

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 76] (3) Works do not include the maintenance of ancillary works and 1 encroachments, or landscaping, that does not interfere with 2 the road or its operation. 3 (4) An approval may be subject to the conditions decided by the 4 local government. 5 (5) A person must not contravene a condition that applies to a 6 person under subsection (4). 7 Maximum penalty--40 penalty units. 8 (6) If a person carries out works in contravention of this section, 9 the local government may-- 10 (a) dismantle or alter the works; or 11 (b) fix any damage caused by the works. 12 (7) If the local government dismantles or alters the works, or fixes 13 any damage caused by the works, the person must pay the 14 local government the reasonable costs incurred by the local 15 government in doing so. 16 Division 2 Stormwater drains 17 76 What this division is about 18 (1) This division is about stormwater drains and stormwater 19 installations. 20 (2) A stormwater drain is a drain, channel, pipe, chamber, 21 structure, outfall or other works used to receive, store, 22 transport or treat stormwater. 23 (3) A stormwater installation for a property-- 24 (a) is any roof gutters, downpipes, subsoil drains or 25 stormwater drain for the property; but 26 (b) does not include any part of a local government's 27 stormwater drain. 28 Page 74

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 77] 77 Connecting stormwater installation to stormwater drain 1 (1) A local government may, by written notice, require the owner 2 of a property to connect a stormwater installation for the 3 property to the local government's stormwater drain in the 4 way, under the conditions and within the time stated in the 5 notice. 6 (2) The way, condition and time stated in the notice must be 7 reasonable in the circumstances. 8 (3) A person must not connect a stormwater installation for a 9 property to a local government's stormwater drain unless-- 10 (a) the local government has required the owner of the 11 property to do so by a written notice under subsection 12 (1); or 13 (b) the local government has given its approval for the 14 connection. 15 Maximum penalty--165 penalty units. 16 (4) The local government may impose conditions on its approval 17 for the connection, including conditions about the way the 18 connection must be made. 19 (5) If a person connects a stormwater installation under a 20 requirement or approval of the local government, the person 21 must comply with the requirement or approval, unless the 22 owner has a reasonable excuse. 23 Maximum penalty for subsection (5)--165 penalty units. 24 78 No connecting sewerage to stormwater drain 25 (1) The owner of a property must not connect the sewerage 26 installation for property, or allow the sewerage installation for 27 the property to be connected, to any part of-- 28 (a) the stormwater installation for the property; or 29 (b) the stormwater drain of the local government. 30 Maximum penalty--165 penalty units. 31 Page 75

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 78] (2) A sewerage installation is any of the following-- 1 (a) an on-site sewerage facility within the meaning given in 2 the Plumbing and Drainage Act; 3 (b) a sewer for a property or building unit; 4 (c) sanitary plumbing i.e. any apparatus, fittings, fixtures or 5 pipes that carry sewage to a sanitary drain; 6 (d) sanitary drainage i.e. any apparatus, fittings or pipes for 7 collecting and carrying discharges-- 8 (i) from fixtures (that are directly connected to a 9 sanitary drain) to an on-site sewerage facility or a 10 sewerage treatment system; or 11 (ii) from sanitary plumbing to an on-site sewerage 12 facility or a sewerage treatment system. 13 Examples of apparatus, fittings or pipes for sanitary drainage-- 14 · disconnector gullies 15 · bends at the foot of stacks or below ground level 16 · pipes above ground level that are installed using drainage 17 principles 18 · for an on-site sewerage facility--a pipe (other than a soil or 19 waste pipe) used to carry sewage to or from the facility 20 (3) The owner of a property who becomes aware that the 21 sewerage installation for the property is connected to any part 22 of-- 23 (a) the stormwater installation for the property; or 24 (b) the stormwater drain of the local government; 25 must, as soon as reasonably practicable, take all necessary 26 steps to disconnect the facility, drainage or sewer from the 27 stormwater installation or drain. 28 Maximum penalty--165 penalty units. 29 (4) If the sewerage installation for property is connected to any 30 part of-- 31 (a) the stormwater installation on the property; or 32 Page 76

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 79] (b) the stormwater drain of the local government; 1 the local government may, by written notice, require the 2 owner of the property to perform the work stated in the notice, 3 within the time stated in the notice. 4 (5) The time stated in the notice must-- 5 (a) be a time that is reasonable in the circumstances; and 6 (b) be at least 1 month after the notice is given to the owner. 7 (6) However, the time stated in the notice may be less than 1 8 month but must not be less than 48 hours if the work stated in 9 the notice-- 10 (a) is required to stop a serious health risk continuing; or 11 (b) relates to a connection that is causing damage to the 12 local government's stormwater drain. 13 (7) The work stated in the notice must be work that is reasonably 14 necessary for fixing or otherwise dealing with the sewerage 15 installation, including for example-- 16 (a) work to remedy a contravention of this Act; or 17 (b) work to disconnect something that was connected to a 18 stormwater drain without the local government's 19 approval. 20 (8) The owner must comply with the notice, unless the owner has 21 a reasonable excuse. 22 Maximum penalty for subsection (8)--165 penalty units. 23 79 No trade waste or prohibited substances in stormwater 24 drain 25 (1) A person must not put trade waste into a stormwater drain. 26 Maximum penalty--1000 penalty units. 27 (2) Trade waste is waterborne waste from business, trade or 28 manufacturing property, other than-- 29 (a) stormwater; and 30 Page 77

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 79] (b) a prohibited substance. 1 (3) A person must not put a prohibited substance into a 2 stormwater drain. 3 Maximum penalty--1000 penalty units. 4 (4) A prohibited substance is-- 5 (a) a solid or viscous substance in a quantity, or of a size, 6 that can obstruct, or interfere with the operation of, a 7 stormwater drain; or 8 Examples for paragraph (a)-- 9 · ash, cinders, sand, mud, straw and shavings 10 · metal, glass and plastics 11 · paper and plastic dishes, cups and milk containers 12 · rags, feathers, tar and wood 13 · whole blood, paunch manure, hair and entrails 14 · oil and grease 15 · cement laden waste water, including, wash down from 16 exposed aggregate concrete surfaces 17 (b) a flammable or explosive solid, liquid or gaseous 18 substance; or 19 (c) sewage, including human waste; or 20 (d) a substance that, given its quantity, is capable alone, or 21 by interaction with another substance put into a 22 stormwater drain, of-- 23 (i) inhibiting or interfering with the stormwater drain; 24 or 25 (ii) causing damage or a hazard to the stormwater 26 drain; or 27 (iii) causing a hazard for humans or animals; or 28 (iv) creating a public nuisance; or 29 (v) creating a hazard in waters; or 30 Page 78

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure [s 80] (vi) contaminating the environment in places where 1 stormwater is discharged or reused; or 2 Example for paragraph (d)-- 3 a substance with a pH lower than 6.0 or greater than 10.0, or 4 having another corrosive property 5 (e) a substance that has a temperature of more than-- 6 (i) if the local government has approved a maximum 7 temperature for the substance--the approved 8 maximum temperature; or 9 (ii) otherwise--38ºC. 10 (5) If-- 11 (a) a person puts a prohibited substance in a local 12 government's stormwater drain; and 13 (b) the prohibited substance causes damage to the 14 stormwater drain; 15 the local government may perform work to fix the damage, 16 and may recover the reasonable costs for the work from the 17 person who put the prohibited substance in the stormwater 18 drain. 19 (6) The costs for the work are in addition to any penalty imposed 20 for the offence. 21 80 Interference with path of stormwater 22 (1) A person must not restrict or redirect the flow of stormwater 23 over land in a way that may cause the water to collect and 24 become stagnant. 25 Maximum penalty--165 penalty units. 26 (2) However, this section does not apply to water collected in a 27 dam, wetland, tank or pond, if no offensive material is 28 allowed to accumulate. 29 Page 79

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 4 The business of indigenous regional councils [s 81] Part 4 The business of indigenous 1 regional councils 2 Division 1 Introduction 3 81 What this part is about 4 (1) This part contains provisions that relate only to a local 5 government that is an indigenous regional council. 6 (2) An indigenous regional council is-- 7 (a) the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council; or 8 (b) the Torres Strait Island Regional Council; or 9 (c) an indigenous regional council prescribed under a 10 regulation. 11 Division 2 Managing trust land 12 82 What this division is about 13 (1) This division contains provisions that apply to a trustee 14 council. 15 (2) A trustee council is an indigenous regional council that is a 16 trustee of trust land. 17 (3) Trust land is the land described in a deed of grant in trust that 18 is issued under the Land Act. 19 (4) The provisions of this division-- 20 (a) do not affect the status that any land has under the 21 Aboriginal Land Act 1991 or the Torres Strait Islander 22 Land Act 1991; and 23 (b) are additional to the provisions that apply to the land 24 under the Land Act and any other law. 25 Page 80

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 4 The business of indigenous regional councils [s 83] 83 Trustee business must be conducted separately 1 (1) A trustee council must conduct its trustee business separately 2 from its other local government business. 3 (2) Trustee business is any business that relates to trust land. 4 (3) So, the trustee council must-- 5 (a) maintain separate accounts and records for trustee 6 business; and 7 (b) in its capacity as trustee council, formally advise itself, 8 in its capacity as indigenous regional council, of matters 9 relating to trustee business; and 10 (c) hold separate meetings for trustee business from 11 meetings for other local government business. 12 84 Meetings about trust land generally open to the public 13 (1) All meetings relating to trust land must be open to the public, 14 unless the trustee council decides, by resolution, that the 15 meeting be closed to the public. 16 (2) The trustee council may do so only to allow the trustee 17 council to discuss business for which public discussion would 18 be likely to-- 19 (a) prejudice the interests of the trustee council or someone 20 else; or 21 (b) enable a person to gain a financial advantage. 22 (3) For example, a meeting may be closed to the public to allow 23 the trustee council to discuss-- 24 (a) the appointment, discipline or dismissal of local 25 government employees; or 26 (b) industrial matters affecting local government 27 employees; or 28 (c) starting or defending legal proceedings; or 29 (d) that part of the budget that relates to the trust land; or 30 Page 81

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 4 The business of indigenous regional councils [s 85] (e) contracts proposed to be made by the trustee council. 1 (4) A resolution to close a meeting to the public must specify the 2 general nature of the matters to be discussed while the 3 meeting is closed to the public. 4 (5) The trustee council must not make a resolution (other than a 5 procedural resolution) in a meeting that is closed to the public. 6 85 Community forum input on trust change proposals 7 (1) This section applies if-- 8 (a) a trustee council wants to consider a trust change 9 proposal; and 10 (b) a community forum has been established for the division 11 of the local government where the trust land is located. 12 (2) A trust change proposal is a proposal to make a decision-- 13 (a) to put an improvement (including a structure, for 14 example) on trust land; or 15 (b) to create an interest in trust land (including a lease or 16 mortgage, for example); or 17 (c) that the trustee council has decided, by resolution, must 18 be dealt with as a trust change proposal. 19 (3) The trustee council must give the community forum an 20 opportunity to give input about the trust change proposal. 21 Note-- 22 See division 3 for more information about community forums. 23 (4) The trustee council must give the community forum a written 24 notice that gives the community forum-- 25 (a) reasonably sufficient information about the trust change 26 proposal; and 27 (b) reasonably sufficient time; 28 to allow the community forum to give input about the trust 29 change proposal. 30 Page 82

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 4 The business of indigenous regional councils [s 86] (5) The trustee council must have regard to any input that is 1 received from the community forum within the time specified 2 in the written notice. 3 (6) If the trustee council proposes to make a decision that is 4 contrary to the community forum's input, the trustee council 5 must give written notice of the reasons for the proposed 6 decision to the community forum. 7 (7) If the community forum advises the trustee council that it does 8 not support the trustee council's proposed decision, the trustee 9 council must take reasonable steps to let the community know. 10 (8) If the trustee council proposes to make a decision that is 11 contrary to the community forum's input, the decision has 12 effect only if-- 13 (a) the decision is approved by a majority of the councillors 14 (other than the mayor), regardless of how many 15 councillors take part in any meeting about the decision; 16 and 17 (b) the councillor for the division of the local government 18 area in which the trust land is situated does not vote 19 against approving the decision. 20 86 Grouping of trust land not available 21 The chief executive under the Land Act must not approve the 22 grouping of trust land under the Land Act, section 62, if any 23 of the trust land is the subject of a community deed of grant in 24 trust. 25 Division 3 Community forums 26 87 Community forums 27 (1) This section applies if the Minister decides to establish a 28 community forum for-- 29 (a) an indigenous regional council; or 30 Page 83

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 4 The business of indigenous regional councils [s 87] (b) if an indigenous regional council is divided into 1 divisions--any of those divisions. 2 (2) A community forum is a body that is created under this Act to 3 be responsible for meeting with the local community to 4 discuss issues relating to-- 5 (a) trust land; and 6 (b) planning; and 7 (c) the delivery of services; and 8 (d) culture. 9 (3) The local community is the community living in the local 10 government area or division for which the community forum 11 is established. 12 (4) A community forum is made up of-- 13 (a) a chairperson, who is the councillor for the division; and 14 (b) at least 3, but not more than 7, elected members. 15 (5) The Minister must consult with the indigenous regional 16 council before deciding-- 17 (a) how many elected members the community forum is to 18 have; or 19 (b) what to call a community forum. 20 (6) The Minister must publish the following information in a 21 newspaper that is circulating generally in the local 22 government area-- 23 (a) the name of the community forum; 24 (b) the names of the members of the community forum. 25 (7) An indigenous regional council must decide all matters 26 necessary for the operation of its community forums. 27 (8) An indigenous regional council must not create any other 28 body to carry out the responsibilities of a community forum. 29 Page 84

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 4 The business of indigenous regional councils [s 88] 88 Members of a community forum 1 (1) This section is about the members of a community forum. 2 (2) An election for the elected members must be held at the same 3 time as, or is as close as practicable to, the quadrennial 4 elections for the indigenous regional council. 5 (3) A person is not qualified to be elected as a member if the 6 person is-- 7 (a) if the members are being elected at the same time as the 8 mayor of the indigenous regional council--a candidate 9 for election as the mayor; or 10 (b) the mayor of the indigenous regional council. 11 (4) A person stops being a member if the person-- 12 (a) for a member who is the chairperson--stops being a 13 councillor; or 14 (b) for any other member-- 15 (i) resigns by signed notice of resignation given to the 16 Minister; or 17 (ii) completes a term of office but is not re-elected. 18 (5) A regulation must set out-- 19 (a) the process for the election of the members; and 20 (b) the qualifications that a person must have to be a 21 member; and 22 (c) the process for filling a vacancy in the office of a 23 member. 24 89 Payments to elected members of a community forum 25 (1) An elected member of a community forum is not entitled to be 26 paid any remuneration. 27 (2) However, an indigenous regional council may authorise-- 28 Page 85

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 3 The business of local governments Part 4 The business of indigenous regional councils [s 90] (a) the payment of the expenses incurred, or to be incurred, 1 by the elected members of a community forum; or 2 (b) the provision of facilities to the elected members of a 3 community forum. 4 90 Convenors for a community forum 5 (1) Each community forum must have a convenor. 6 (2) A convenor is a person who is responsible for-- 7 (a) giving the local community notice of the time and date 8 of the community forum's meetings; and 9 (b) ensuring, to the greatest extent practicable, that the 10 community forum operates in an effective and efficient 11 way; and 12 (c) providing advice to the indigenous regional council; and 13 (d) providing necessary administrative support to the 14 community forum; and 15 (e) liaising between the community forum and the 16 indigenous regional council; and 17 (f) any other responsibilities that the indigenous regional 18 council decides, by resolution, to give to the convenor. 19 (3) An indigenous regional council must appoint a qualified 20 person to be the convenor for a community forum. 21 (4) A person is qualified to be the convenor if the person-- 22 (a) has experience in the administration of land; but 23 (b) is not-- 24 (i) a councillor of the indigenous regional council; or 25 (ii) a member of the community forum. 26 (5) A person may be appointed to be the convenor for 2 or more 27 community forums if the indigenous regional council is 28 satisfied that the person can effectively exercise the 29 responsibilities for the 2 or more community forums. 30 Page 86

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 1 Rates and charges [s 91] (6) A convenor may be appointed on a full-time or part-time 1 basis. 2 (7) A convenor holds the position on the conditions that the 3 indigenous regional council decides. 4 (8) A convenor may not vote at meetings of the community 5 forum. 6 (9) A convenor may perform responsibilities for the indigenous 7 regional council in addition to the convenor's responsibilities 8 as a convenor. 9 (10) A person stops being a convenor if the person-- 10 (a) resigns by signed notice of resignation given to the 11 Minister; or 12 (b) completes a term of office but is not reappointed. 13 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability 14 Part 1 Rates and charges 15 91 What this part is about 16 (1) This part is about rates and charges. 17 (2) Rates and charges are levies that a local government 18 imposes-- 19 (a) on land; and 20 (b) for a service, facility or activity that is supplied or 21 undertaken by-- 22 (i) the local government; or 23 Page 87

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 1 Rates and charges [s 92] (ii) someone on behalf of the local government 1 (including a garbage collection contractor, for 2 example). 3 92 Types of rates and charges 4 (1) There are 4 types of rates and charges-- 5 (a) general rates (including differential rates); and 6 (b) special rates and charges; and 7 (c) utility charges; and 8 (d) separate rates and charges. 9 (2) General rates are for services, facilities and activities that are 10 supplied or undertaken for the benefit of the community in 11 general (rather than a particular person). 12 Example-- 13 General rates contribute to the cost of roads and library services that 14 benefit the community in general. 15 (3) Special rates and charges are for services, facilities and 16 activities that have a special association with particular land 17 because-- 18 (a) the land or its occupier-- 19 (i) specially benefits from the service, facility or 20 activity; or 21 (ii) has or will have special access to the service, 22 facility or activity; or 23 (b) the land is or will be used in a way that specially 24 contributes to the need for the service, facility or 25 activity; or 26 (c) the occupier of the land specially contributes to the need 27 for the service, facility or activity. 28 Examples-- 29 Special rates and charges could be levied-- 30 Page 88

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 1 Rates and charges [s 93] · for the cost of maintaining a road in an industrial area that is 1 regularly used by heavy vehicles 2 · for the cost of replacing the drainage system in only part of the 3 local government area 4 · on land that is used only by businesses that would benefit from 5 the promotion of tourism in the local government area. 6 (4) Utility charges are for a service, facility or activity for any of 7 the following utilities-- 8 (a) waste management; 9 (b) gas; 10 (c) sewerage; 11 (d) water. 12 (5) Separate rates and charges are for any other service, facility 13 or activity. 14 93 Land on which rates are levied 15 (1) Rates may be levied on rateable land. 16 (2) Rateable land is any land or building unit, in the local 17 government area, that is not exempted from rates. 18 (3) The following land is exempted from rates-- 19 (a) unallocated State land within the meaning of the Land 20 Act; 21 (b) land that is occupied by the State or a government entity, 22 unless-- 23 (i) the government entity is a GOC or its subsidiary 24 (within the meaning of the Government Owned 25 Corporations Act 1993) and the government entity 26 is not exempt from paying rates; or 27 (ii) the land is leased to the State or a government 28 entity by someone who is not the State or a 29 government entity; 30 Page 89

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 1 Rates and charges [s 93] (c) land in a state forest or timber reserve, other than land 1 occupied under-- 2 (i) an occupation permit or stock grazing permit under 3 the Forestry Act; or 4 (ii) a lease under the Land Act; 5 (d) Aboriginal land under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991, or 6 Torres Strait Islander land under the Torres Strait 7 Islander Land Act 1991, other than a part of the land that 8 is used for commercial or residential purposes; 9 (e) the following land under the Transport Infrastructure 10 Act-- 11 (i) strategic port land that is occupied by a port 12 authority, the State, or a government entity; 13 (ii) strategic port land that is occupied by a wholly 14 owned subsidiary of a port authority, and is used in 15 connection with the Cairns International Airport or 16 Mackay Airport; 17 (iii) existing or new rail corridor land; 18 (iv) commercial corridor land that is not subject to a 19 lease; 20 (f) airport land, within the meaning of the Airport Assets 21 (Restructuring and Disposal) Act 2008, that is used for a 22 runway, taxiway, apron, road, vacant land, buffer zone 23 or grass verge; 24 (g) land that is exempted from rating under-- 25 (i) another Act; or 26 (ii) a regulation, for religious, charitable, educational 27 or other public purposes. 28 (4) The land mentioned in subsection (3)(f) stops being exempted 29 land when either of the following events first happens-- 30 Page 90

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 1 Rates and charges [s 94] (a) a development permit under the Planning Act comes 1 into force for the land for a use that is not mentioned in 2 subsection (3)(f); 3 (b) development within the meaning of the Planning Act 4 (other than reconfiguring a lot) starts for a use that is not 5 mentioned in subsection (3)(f). 6 94 Power to levy rates and charges 7 (1) Each local government-- 8 (a) must levy general rates on all rateable land within the 9 local government area; and 10 (b) may levy-- 11 (i) special rates and charges; and 12 (ii) utility charges; and 13 (iii) separate rates and charges. 14 (2) A local government must decide, by resolution at the local 15 government's budget meeting for a financial year, what rates 16 and charges are to be levied for that financial year. 17 95 Overdue rates are a charge over land 18 (1) This section applies if the owner of land owes a local 19 government for overdue rates. 20 (2) The overdue rates are a charge on the land. 21 (3) The local government may register the charge over the land 22 by lodging the following documents with the registrar of 23 titles-- 24 (a) a request to register the charge over the land, in the 25 appropriate form; 26 (b) a certificate signed by the chief executive officer that 27 states there is a charge over the land for overdue rates. 28 Page 91

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 2 Fees [s 96] (4) After the charge is registered over the land, the charge has 1 priority over any other encumbrances over the land, other than 2 encumbrances in favour of-- 3 (a) the State; or 4 (b) a government entity. 5 (5) If the overdue rates are paid, the local government must lodge 6 the following documents with the registrar of titles-- 7 (a) a request to release the charge over the land, in the 8 appropriate form; 9 (b) a certificate signed by the chief executive officer that 10 states the overdue rates have been paid. 11 (6) This section does not limit any other remedy that the local 12 government has to recover the overdue rates (including selling 13 the land, for example). 14 96 Regulations for rates and charges 15 A regulation may provide for any matter connected with rates 16 and charges, including for example-- 17 (a) concessions; and 18 (b) the categorisation of land for rates and charges; and 19 (c) the process for recovering overdue rates, including by 20 the sale of the land to which the rates relate. 21 Part 2 Fees 22 97 Cost-recovery fees 23 (1) A local government may, under a local law or a resolution, fix 24 a cost-recovery fee. 25 (2) A cost-recovery fee is a fee for-- 26 Page 92

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 2 Fees [s 97] (a) an application for the issue or renewal of a licence, 1 permit, registration or other approval under a Local 2 Government Act (an application fee); or 3 (b) recording a change of ownership of land; or 4 (c) giving information kept under a Local Government Act; 5 or 6 (d) seizing property or animals under a Local Government 7 Act; or 8 (e) the performance of another responsibility imposed on 9 the local government under the Building Act or the 10 Plumbing and Drainage Act. 11 (3) A local law or resolution for subsection (2)(d) or (e) must 12 state-- 13 (a) the person liable to pay the cost-recovery fee; and 14 (b) the time within which the fee must be paid. 15 (4) A cost-recovery fee, other than an application fee, must not be 16 more than the cost to the local government of taking the action 17 for which the fee is charged. 18 (5) However, an application fee may also include a tax-- 19 (a) in the circumstances and for a purpose prescribed under 20 a regulation; and 21 (b) if the local government decides, by resolution, that the 22 purpose of the tax benefits its local government area. 23 (6) The local law or resolution that fixes an application fee that 24 includes a tax must state the amount, and the purpose, of the 25 tax. 26 (7) If an application fee that includes a tax is payable in relation 27 to land, the tax applies only in relation to land that is rateable 28 land. 29 (8) A local government may fix a cost-recovery fee by resolution 30 even if the fee had previously been fixed by a local law. 31 Page 93

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 2 Fees [s 98] 98 Register of cost-recovery fees 1 (1) A local government must keep a register of its cost-recovery 2 fees. 3 (2) The register must state the paragraph of section 97(2) under 4 which the cost-recovery fee is fixed. 5 (3) Also, the register must state-- 6 (a) for a cost-recovery fee under section 97(2)(a)--the 7 provision of the Local Government Act under which the 8 licence, permit, registration or other approval is issued 9 or renewed; or 10 (b) for a cost-recovery fee under section 97(2)(c)--the 11 provision of the Local Government Act under which the 12 information is kept; or 13 (c) for a cost-recovery fee under section 97(2)(d)--the 14 provision of the Local Government Act under which the 15 property or animals are seized; or 16 (d) for a cost-recovery fee under section 97(2)(e)--the 17 provision of the Building Act or the Plumbing and 18 Drainage Act under which the responsibility is imposed. 19 (4) The public may inspect the register at the local government's 20 public office. 21 99 Fees on occupiers of land below the high-water mark 22 (1) This section applies to the occupier (other than the State or a 23 government entity) of a structure that is on land that-- 24 (a) is not rateable land, and therefore not subject to rates; 25 and 26 (b) is below the high-water mark. 27 (2) The high-water mark is the ordinary high-water mark at 28 spring tides. 29 Page 94

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 3 Financial sustainability and accountability [s 100] (3) A local government may, by resolution, levy a fee on the 1 occupier of the structure for the use of the local government's 2 roads and other infrastructure. 3 100 Fees on residents of indigenous local government areas 4 (1) An indigenous local government may, by resolution, levy a 5 fee on residents of its local government area. 6 (2) The indigenous local government may exempt a resident from 7 paying the fee, if another amount is payable to the indigenous 8 local government in relation to the property in which the 9 resident resides. 10 Part 3 Financial sustainability and 11 accountability 12 101 Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act applies to 13 local governments 14 (1) A local government is a statutory body for the Statutory 15 Bodies Financial Arrangements Act. 16 (2) Part 2B of that Act sets out the way in which that Act affects a 17 local government's powers. 18 102 Financial sustainability criteria 19 (1) To ensure that local governments are financially sustainable, 20 each local government must implement systems to meet the 21 following financial sustainability criteria-- 22 (a) financial risks are to be managed prudently; 23 (b) financial policies are to be formulated-- 24 (i) to ensure a reasonable degree of equity, stability 25 and predictability; and 26 Page 95

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 3 Financial sustainability and accountability [s 103] (ii) so that current services, facilities and activities are 1 financed by the current users of the services, 2 facilities and activities; and 3 (iii) having regard to the effect of the policies on the 4 future users of services, facilities and activities; 5 (c) full, accurate and timely information about the local 6 government's finances and infrastructure (including a 7 report mentioned in section 104(7), for example) is to be 8 made available to the public on the local government's 9 website. 10 (2) A local government is financially sustainable if the local 11 government is able to maintain its financial capital and 12 infrastructure capital over the long term. 13 103 Financial management systems 14 (1) Each local government must establish a system of financial 15 management that complies with the requirements prescribed 16 under a regulation. 17 (2) The local government must regularly review the performance 18 of its system of financial management. 19 104 Financial management, planning and accountability 20 documents 21 (1) The following documents of a local government must comply 22 with the requirements prescribed under a regulation-- 23 (a) the financial management documents; 24 (b) the planning and accountability documents. 25 (2) The financial management documents include the following 26 documents-- 27 (a) an annual budget; 28 (b) a general purpose financial report; 29 (c) a financial forecast; 30 Page 96

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 3 Financial sustainability and accountability [s 104] (d) an asset register that records-- 1 (i) capital expenditure; and 2 (ii) depreciation charges; and 3 (iii) revaluation increments and decrements; 4 (e) a revenue statement. 5 (3) The planning and accountability documents include the 6 following documents-- 7 (a) an annual report; 8 (b) a 5 year corporate plan; 9 (c) an annual operational plan; 10 (d) a long-term community plan; 11 (e) a long-term financial plan; 12 (f) a long-term asset management plan; 13 (g) a report on the results of an annual review of the 14 implementation of the long term plans mentioned in this 15 section. 16 (4) A long-term community plan is a document that-- 17 (a) outlines the local government's goals, strategies and 18 policies for implementing the local government's vision 19 for the future of the local government area, during the 20 period covered by the plan; and 21 (b) covers a period of at least 10 years after the 22 commencement of the plan. 23 (5) A long-term financial plan is a document that-- 24 (a) outlines the local government's goals, strategies and 25 policies for managing the local government's finances, 26 during the period covered by the plan, including the 27 following policies-- 28 (i) an investment policy; 29 (ii) a debt policy; 30 Page 97

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 3 Financial sustainability and accountability [s 105] (iii) a procurement policy; 1 (iv) a revenue policy; and 2 (b) covers a period of at least 10 years after the 3 commencement of the plan. 4 (6) A long-term asset management plan is a document that-- 5 (a) outlines the local government's policies and strategies 6 for ensuring the sustainable management of the local 7 government's assets and infrastructure, during the 8 period covered by the plan; and 9 (b) covers a period of at least 10 years after the 10 commencement of the plan. 11 (7) A local government must annually conduct, and report on the 12 results of, a review of the implementation of the local 13 government's long-term plans mentioned in this section. 14 105 Auditing, including internal auditing 15 (1) Each local government must establish an efficient and 16 effective internal audit function. 17 (2) Each large local government must also establish an audit 18 committee. 19 (3) A large local government is a local government that belongs 20 to a class prescribed under a regulation. 21 (4) An audit committee is a committee that-- 22 (a) monitors and reviews-- 23 (i) the integrity of financial documents; and 24 (ii) the internal audit function; and 25 (iii) the effectiveness and objectivity of the local 26 government's internal auditors; and 27 (iv) the effectiveness, independence and objectivity of 28 the local government's external auditors; and 29 Page 98

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 3 Financial sustainability and accountability [s 106] (b) makes recommendations to the local government about 1 the appointment of the local government's external 2 auditors; and 3 (c) makes recommendations to the local government about 4 any matters that the audit committee considers need 5 action or improvement. 6 (5) This section applies in addition to the requirements of the 7 Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act. 8 106 Sound contracting principles 9 (1) This section is about contracts for-- 10 (a) the supply of goods or services; or 11 (b) the carrying out of work; or 12 (c) the disposal of assets. 13 (2) When entering into a contract, a local government must have 14 regard to the sound contracting principles. 15 (3) The sound contracting principles are-- 16 (a) value for money; and 17 (b) open and effective competition; and 18 (c) the development of competitive local business and 19 industry; and 20 (d) environmental protection; and 21 (e) ethical behaviour and fair dealing. 22 107 Insurance 23 (1) A local government must maintain the following insurance-- 24 (a) public liability insurance; 25 (b) professional indemnity insurance. 26 (2) The insurance must be for at least the amount required under a 27 regulation. 28 Page 99

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 4 Councillor's financial accountability [s 108] (3) A local government may enter into a contract of insurance 1 with WorkCover Queensland, or another insurer, to cover its 2 councillors. 3 (4) For that purpose, a councillor's role includes attending-- 4 (a) meetings of the local government or its committees that 5 the councillor is entitled or asked to attend; and 6 (b) meetings for a resident of the local government area; 7 and 8 (c) conferences, deputations, inspections and meetings at 9 which the councillor's attendance is permitted by the 10 local government; and 11 (d) official functions organised for the local government. 12 Part 4 Councillor's financial 13 accountability 14 108 Misappropriation offence applies 15 Nothing in this part stops proceedings being brought in 16 relation to an offence against the Criminal Code, section 440. 17 109 Councillor's discretionary funds 18 (1) A councillor must ensure that the councillor's discretionary 19 funds are used in accordance with the requirements prescribed 20 under a regulation. 21 (2) Discretionary funds are funds in the local government's 22 operating fund that are budgeted for use by a councillor at the 23 councillor's discretion. 24 Page 100

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 4 Councillor's financial accountability [s 110] 110 Councillor's liable for improper disbursements 1 (1) This section applies if-- 2 (a) a local government disburses local government funds in 3 a financial year; and 4 (b) the disbursement-- 5 (i) is not provided for in the local government's 6 budget for the financial year; and 7 (ii) is made without the approval of the local 8 government by resolution. 9 (2) The local government must give the public notice of the 10 disbursement in a newspaper that is circulating generally in 11 the local government area, within 14 days after the 12 disbursement is made. 13 (3) If the disbursement is not made for a genuine emergency or 14 hardship, the councillors who knowingly agree to the 15 disbursement are jointly and severally liable to pay the local 16 government-- 17 (a) the amount of the disbursement; and 18 (b) interest on the amount of the disbursement, at the rate at 19 which interest accrues on overdue rates, calculated from 20 the day of the disbursement to the day of repayment; and 21 (c) any fees, charges, penalties or other expenses incurred 22 by the local government in relation to the disbursement. 23 (4) Those amounts may be recovered as a debt payable to the 24 local government. 25 111 Councillor's liable for loans to individuals 26 (1) A local government must not, either directly or indirectly, 27 make or guarantee a loan to an individual. 28 (2) Guarantee a loan includes provide a security in connection 29 with a loan. 30 Page 101

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 4 Finances and accountability Part 4 Councillor's financial accountability [s 112] (3) The councillors who knowingly agree to loan the money are 1 jointly and severally liable to pay the local government-- 2 (a) the amount of the loan; and 3 (b) interest on the amount of the loan, at the rate at which 4 interest accrues on overdue rates, calculated from the 5 day of the borrowing to the day of repayment; and 6 (c) any fees, charges, penalties or other expenses incurred 7 by the local government in relation to the loan. 8 (4) Those amounts may be recovered as a debt payable to the 9 local government. 10 112 Councillor's liable for improper borrowings 11 (1) This section applies if a local government borrows money-- 12 (a) for a purpose that is not for the good rule and 13 government of the local government area; or 14 (b) in contravention of this Act or the Statutory Bodies 15 Financial Arrangements Act. 16 (2) The councillors who knowingly agree to borrow the money 17 are jointly and severally liable to pay the local government-- 18 (a) the amount borrowed; and 19 (b) interest on the amount borrowed, at the rate at which 20 interest accrues on overdue rates, calculated from the 21 day of the borrowing to the day of repayment; and 22 (c) any fees, charges, penalties or other expenses incurred 23 by the local government in relation to the borrowing. 24 (3) Those amounts may be recovered as a debt payable to the 25 local government. 26 (4) This section applies despite-- 27 (a) the fact that a security was issued for the borrowing; or 28 (b) the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act. 29 Page 102

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 113] Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing 1 the Local Government Acts 2 Part 1 Local governments 3 Division 1 Introduction 4 113 What this part is about 5 (1) The purpose of this part is to allow the Minister, on behalf of 6 the State-- 7 (a) to gather information (including under a direction) to 8 monitor and evaluate whether a local government-- 9 (i) is performing its responsibilities properly; or 10 (ii) is complying with the Local Government Acts; and 11 (b) if the information shows that the local government is not 12 performing its responsibilities properly, or is not 13 complying with the Local Government Acts--to take 14 remedial action. 15 (2) Remedial action is action to improve the local government's 16 performance or compliance. 17 (3) Remedial action may include, for example, directing the local 18 government-- 19 (a) to take the action that is necessary to comply with a 20 Local Government Act; or 21 (b) to replace a resolution, that is contrary to a Local 22 Government Act, with a resolution that complies with 23 the Local Government Act; or 24 (c) to amend a local law by removing a provision that is 25 contrary to a Local Government Act. 26 Page 103

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 114] 114 Decisions under this part are not subject to appeal 1 A decision of the Minister under this part is not subject to 2 appeal. 3 Note-- 4 See section 244 for more information. 5 Division 2 Monitoring and evaluation 6 115 Gathering information 7 (1) To monitor and evaluate a local government's performance 8 and compliance, the department's chief executive may 9 examine the information contained in the local government's 10 records and operations. 11 (2) For example, this may include an examination of-- 12 (a) an activity or program of the local government; or 13 (b) the systems and practices of the local government. 14 (3) The department's chief executive may conduct the 15 examination in any way that the department's chief executive 16 considers appropriate. 17 (4) Also, the department's chief executive may request a local 18 government to provide any other information. 19 (5) The request must be made in writing, and specify a reasonable 20 time within which the local government must provide the 21 information. 22 (6) The local government must cooperate fully with the 23 department's chief executive under this section. 24 116 Acting on the information gathered 25 (1) This section applies if the information gathered by the 26 department's chief executive shows that the local 27 government-- 28 Page 104

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 117] (a) is not performing its responsibilities properly; or 1 (b) is not complying with the Local Government Acts. 2 (2) The department's chief executive may-- 3 (a) give the information to the Minister; and 4 (b) make any recommendations to the Minister about what 5 remedial action to take. 6 (3) The Minister may take the remedial action that the Minister 7 considers appropriate in the circumstances. 8 (4) The Minister may publish the following information-- 9 (a) the way in which the local government-- 10 (i) is not performing its responsibilities properly; or 11 (ii) is not complying with the Local Government Acts; 12 (b) the remedial action that the Minister has taken. 13 (5) The Minister may-- 14 (a) publish the information in a newspaper that is 15 circulating generally in the local government area; or 16 (b) direct the local government to publish the information 17 on the local government's website. 18 117 Advisors 19 (1) This section applies if the information gathered by the 20 department's chief executive shows that the local 21 government-- 22 (a) is not performing its responsibilities properly; or 23 (b) is not complying with the Local Government Acts. 24 (2) The department's chief executive may, by gazette notice, 25 appoint an advisor for the local government. 26 (3) An advisor is responsible for-- 27 (a) helping the local government to build its capacity-- 28 Page 105

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 118] (i) to perform its responsibilities properly; or 1 (ii) to comply with the Local Government Acts; and 2 (b) performing other related duties as directed by the 3 department's chief executive. 4 (4) The local government must cooperate fully with the advisor. 5 118 Financial controllers 6 (1) This section applies if the information gathered by the 7 department's chief executive shows that the local 8 government-- 9 (a) is not performing its responsibilities properly; or 10 (b) is not complying with the Local Government Acts. 11 (2) The department's chief executive may, by gazette notice, 12 appoint a financial controller for the local government. 13 (3) A financial controller is responsible for-- 14 (a) implementing financial controls as directed by the 15 department's chief executive; and 16 (b) performing other related duties as directed by the 17 department's chief executive. 18 (4) The local government must cooperate fully with the financial 19 controller. 20 (5) If a financial controller is appointed, a payment from an 21 account kept by the local government with a financial 22 institution may be made only by-- 23 (a) a cheque countersigned by the financial controller; or 24 (b) an electronic funds transfer authorised by the financial 25 controller. 26 (6) However, if the financial controller reasonably believes a 27 decision, resolution or order to make a payment is financially 28 unsound, the financial controller must-- 29 (a) refuse to make a payment; and 30 Page 106

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 119] (b) advise the department's chief executive about why the 1 decision, resolution or order is financially unsound. 2 (7) A decision, resolution or order is financially unsound if the 3 decision, resolution or order-- 4 (a) may cause the local government to become insolvent; or 5 (b) will result in unlawful expenditure by the local 6 government; or 7 (c) will result in a disbursement from a fund that is not 8 provided for in the local government's budget; or 9 (d) will result in expenditure from grant moneys for a 10 purpose other than the purpose for which the grant was 11 given. 12 119 Costs and expenses of advisors and financial controllers 13 (1) The department's chief executive may direct a local 14 government for which an advisor or financial controller is 15 appointed to pay the Minister a stated amount for-- 16 (a) the salary and allowances payable to the advisor or 17 financial controller; and 18 (b) the costs and expenses of the advisor or financial 19 controller. 20 (2) The direction may state a time for payment. 21 (3) The stated amount is a debt payable to the State. 22 Division 3 Action by the Minister 23 120 Precondition to remedial action 24 (1) This section applies if the Minister proposes to exercise a 25 power under this division. 26 Page 107

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 120] (2) The Minister must give the local government or councillor in 1 question a written notice of the proposal to exercise the power, 2 before the power is exercised, unless-- 3 (a) the local government or councillor asked the Minister to 4 exercise the power; or 5 (b) if the Minister proposes to exercise a power under 6 section 122 or 123--the tribunal has made a 7 recommendation under section 180 to suspend or 8 dismiss a councillor; or 9 (c) the Minister considers that giving notice-- 10 (i) is likely to defeat the purpose of the exercise of the 11 power; or 12 (ii) would serve no useful purpose. 13 (3) The notice must state-- 14 (a) the power that the Minister proposes to exercise; and 15 (b) the reasons for exercising the power; and 16 (c) any remedial action that the local government or 17 councillor should take; and 18 (d) a reasonable time within which the local government or 19 councillor may make submissions to the Minister about 20 the proposal to exercise the power. 21 (4) The reasons stated in the notice are the only reasons that can 22 be relied on in support of the exercise of the power. 23 (5) The Minister must have regard to all submissions that are 24 made by the local government or councillor within the time 25 specified in the notice. 26 (6) If-- 27 (a) the Minister receives no submissions from the local 28 government or councillor within the time specified in 29 the notice; or 30 Page 108

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 121] (b) the submissions from the local government or councillor 1 do not contain reasonable grounds to persuade the 2 Minister not to exercise the power; 3 the Minister may exercise the power without further notice to 4 the local government or councillor. 5 121 Removing unsound decisions 6 (1) This section applies if the Minister reasonably believes that a 7 decision of the local government is contrary to any of the 8 Local Government Acts. 9 (2) A decision is-- 10 (a) a local law; or 11 (b) a resolution; or 12 (c) an order to give effect to a resolution; or 13 (d) a planning scheme; or 14 (e) an interim development control provision; or 15 (f) a part of a decision mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e). 16 (3) The Minister, by a gazette notice, may-- 17 (a) suspend the decision, for a specified period or 18 indefinitely; or 19 (b) revoke the decision. 20 (4) The gazette notice must state-- 21 (a) how the decision is contrary to a Local Government Act; 22 and 23 (b) if the decision has been suspended--how the decision 24 may be amended so that it is no longer contrary to the 25 Local Government Act. 26 (5) If the Minister suspends the decision, the decision stops 27 having effect for the period specified in the gazette notice. 28 (6) If the Minister revokes the decision-- 29 Page 109

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 122] (a) the decision stops having effect on the day specified in 1 the gazette notice; or 2 (b) if no day is specified in the gazette notice--the decision 3 is taken to never have had effect. 4 (7) The State is not liable for any loss or expense incurred by a 5 person because a local government's decision is suspended or 6 revoked under this section. 7 122 Removing a councillor 8 (1) This section applies if-- 9 (a) the tribunal recommends under section 180 that a 10 councillor be suspended or dismissed; or 11 (b) the Minister reasonably believes that a councillor has 12 seriously or continuously breached the local government 13 principles; or 14 (c) the Minister reasonably believes that a councillor is 15 incapable of performing their responsibilities. 16 (2) The Minister may recommend that the Governor in Council-- 17 (a) if the tribunal recommends that a councillor be 18 suspended or dismissed--suspend or dismiss the 19 councillor; or 20 (b) if the proposal in the Minister's notice under section 120 21 was to suspend the councillor for a stated 22 period--suspend the councillor for a period that is no 23 longer than the stated period; or 24 (c) if the proposal in the Minister's notice under section 120 25 was to dismiss the councillor--suspend or dismiss the 26 councillor. 27 (3) The Governor in Council may give effect to the Minister's 28 recommendation under a regulation. 29 Page 110

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 123] 123 Dissolving a local government 1 (1) This section applies if-- 2 (a) the tribunal recommends under section 180 that every 3 councillor be suspended or dismissed; or 4 (b) the Minister reasonably believes that a local government 5 has seriously or continuously breached the local 6 government principles; or 7 (c) the Minister reasonably believes that a local government 8 is incapable of performing its responsibilities. 9 (2) The Minister may recommend that the Governor in Council-- 10 (a) dissolve the local government; and 11 (b) appoint an interim administrator to act in place of the 12 councillors until the conclusion of a fresh election of 13 councillors. 14 (3) The Governor in Council may give effect to the Minister's 15 recommendation under a regulation. 16 (4) The regulation has effect in accordance with the requirements 17 of the Constitution of Queensland 2001, chapter 7, part 2. 18 (5) It is Parliament's intention that a fresh election of the 19 councillors of the local government should be held as soon as 20 practicable after the Legislative Assembly ratifies the 21 dissolution of the local government. 22 124 Interim administrator acts for the councillors temporarily 23 (1) This section applies if an interim administrator is appointed to 24 act in place of the councillors of a local government. 25 (2) The interim administrator has all the responsibilities and 26 powers of-- 27 (a) the local government; and 28 (b) the mayor. 29 Page 111

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 1 Local governments [s 124] (3) However, a regulation may limit the responsibilities and 1 powers of the interim administrator. 2 (4) The interim administrator must exercise power under the 3 name of `interim administrator of the (name of the local 4 government)'. 5 (5) This Act and other Acts apply to the interim administrator, 6 with all necessary changes, and any changes prescribed under 7 a regulation, as if the interim administrator were the local 8 government. 9 (6) The Governor in Council may direct a local government for 10 which an interim administrator is appointed to pay to the 11 Minister an amount specified in the direction for the costs and 12 expenses of the interim administrator. 13 (7) The specified amount may include the salary and allowances 14 payable to an officer of the public service who is appointed as 15 interim administrator. 16 (8) The direction may specify a time for payment. 17 (9) The specified amount is a debt payable to the State. 18 (10) The Minister may create an advisory committee to give the 19 interim administrator advice about the performance of the 20 local government's responsibilities. 21 Page 112

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 125] Part 2 The public 1 Division 1 Powers of authorised persons 2 Subdivision 1 Introduction 3 125 What this division is about 4 (1) This division is about the powers that may be used by an 5 authorised person. 6 (2) An authorised person is a person who is appointed under this 7 Act to ensure that members of the public comply with the 8 Local Government Acts. 9 Note-- 10 See chapter 6, part 6 for more information about the appointment of 11 authorised persons. 12 (3) The powers of an authorised person include the power, in 13 certain circumstances-- 14 (a) to ask a person for their name and address; and 15 (b) to enter a property, including private property. 16 (4) Private property is a property that is not a public place. 17 (5) A public place is a place, or that part of a place, that-- 18 (a) is open to the public; or 19 (b) is used by the public; or 20 (c) the public is entitled to use; 21 whether or not on payment of money. 22 Example-- 23 A person uses a room at the front of their home as a business office. 24 While the business office is open to the public it is a public place. 25 However, the home is private property and not part of the public place. 26 Page 113

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 126] (6) An occupier of a property includes a person who reasonably 1 appears to be the occupier of, or in charge of, the property. 2 (7) Force must not be used to enter a property under this division, 3 other than when the property is entered under a warrant that 4 authorises that use of force. 5 126 Producing authorised person's identity card 6 (1) An authorised person may exercise a power under this 7 division, in relation to a person, only if the authorised 8 person-- 9 (a) first produces his or her identity card for the person to 10 inspect; or 11 (b) has his or her identity card displayed so it is clearly 12 visible to the person. 13 (2) However, if for any reason it is not practicable to comply with 14 subsection (1), the authorised person must produce the 15 identity card for the person's inspection at the first reasonable 16 opportunity. 17 Subdivision 2 Power to require a person's name 18 and address 19 127 Power to require a person's name and address 20 (1) This section applies if an authorised person-- 21 (a) finds a person committing an infringement notice 22 offence; or 23 (b) finds a person in circumstances that lead the authorised 24 person to suspect, on reasonable grounds, that the 25 person has just committed an infringement notice 26 offence; or 27 Page 114

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 128] (c) has information that leads the authorised person to 1 suspect, on reasonable grounds, that a person has just 2 committed an infringement notice offence. 3 (2) An infringement notice offence is an offence prescribed 4 under the State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999 to be an 5 infringement notice offence. 6 (3) The authorised person may require the person to state the 7 person's name and address. 8 (4) If the authorised person does so, the authorised person must 9 also warn the person that it is an offence to fail to state the 10 person's name and address, unless the person has a reasonable 11 excuse. 12 (5) The authorised person may require the person to give 13 evidence of the person's name or address if the authorised 14 person suspects, on reasonable grounds, that the person has 15 given a false name or address. 16 (6) The person must comply with an authorised person's 17 requirement under subsection (3) or (5), unless the person has 18 a reasonable excuse. 19 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 20 (7) However, the person does not commit an offence under 21 subsection (6), if the person is not proved to have committed 22 the infringement notice offence. 23 Subdivision 3 Powers to enter property etc. 24 128 Entering a public place that is open without the need for 25 permission 26 (1) This section applies if an authorised person wants to enter a 27 public place to ensure that the public place complies with the 28 Local Government Acts. 29 Page 115

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 129] (2) The authorised person may enter the public place, without the 1 permission of the occupier of the place, if the place is not 2 closed to the public (by a locked gate, for example). 3 129 Entering private property with, and in accordance with, 4 the occupier's permission 5 (1) An authorised person may enter private property, that is not 6 closed to entry by the public (by a locked gate, for example), 7 in order to ask the occupier of the property for permission to 8 stay on the property and exercise powers under a Local 9 Government Act. 10 (2) When asking the occupier for permission, the authorised 11 person must inform the occupier-- 12 (a) of the purpose of entering the property; and 13 (b) that any thing or information that the authorised person 14 finds on the property may be used as evidence in court; 15 and 16 (c) that the occupier is not obliged to give permission. 17 (3) If the occupier gives permission, the authorised person may 18 ask the occupier to sign a document that confirms that the 19 occupier has given permission. 20 (4) The document must state-- 21 (a) that the authorised person informed the occupier-- 22 (i) of the purpose of entering the property; and 23 (ii) that any thing or information that the authorised 24 person finds on the property may be used as 25 evidence in court; and 26 (iii) that the occupier was not obliged to give the 27 permission; and 28 (b) that the occupier gave the authorised person permission 29 to enter the property and exercise powers under a Local 30 Government Act; and 31 Page 116

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 130] (c) the date and time when the occupier gave the 1 permission. 2 (5) If the occupier signs the document, the authorised person 3 must immediately give a copy of the document to the 4 occupier. 5 (6) If, in any proceedings-- 6 (a) a question arises as to whether the occupier of a 7 property gave permission to allow an authorised person 8 to stay on the property under this Act; and 9 (b) a document that confirms the occupier gave permission 10 is not produced in evidence; 11 the court may assume that the occupier did not give the 12 permission, unless the contrary is proved. 13 (7) If the occupier gives permission, the authorised person may 14 stay on the property and exercise the powers that the occupier 15 has agreed to be exercised on the property. 16 (8) However, the right to stay on the property-- 17 (a) is subject to any conditions that the occupier imposes 18 (including about the times when the property may be 19 entered, for example); and 20 (b) may be cancelled by the occupier at any time. 21 130 Entering private property with, and in accordance with, a 22 warrant 23 (1) An authorised person may enter private property with, and in 24 accordance with, a warrant. 25 (2) An authorised person must apply to a magistrate for a warrant. 26 (3) The application for the warrant must-- 27 (a) be in the form approved by the department's chief 28 executive; and 29 (b) be sworn; and 30 Page 117

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 130] (c) state the grounds on which the warrant is sought. 1 (4) The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the 2 authorised person gives the magistrate all the information that 3 the magistrate requires about the application, in the way that 4 the magistrate requires. 5 Example-- 6 The magistrate may require additional information in support of the 7 application to be given by statutory declaration. 8 (5) The magistrate may issue the warrant only if the magistrate is 9 satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting-- 10 (a) there is a particular thing or activity that may provide 11 evidence of an offence against a Local Government Act 12 (the evidence); and 13 (b) the evidence is at the place, or may be at the place 14 within the next 7 days. 15 (6) The warrant must state-- 16 (a) the evidence for which the warrant is issued; and 17 (b) that the authorised person may, with necessary and 18 reasonable help and force, enter the property and 19 exercise an authorised person's powers under this Act; 20 and 21 (c) the hours of the day or night when the property may be 22 entered; and 23 (d) the day (within 14 days after the warrant's issue) when 24 the warrant ends. 25 (7) The magistrate must keep a record of the reasons for issuing 26 the warrant. 27 (8) A warrant is not invalidated by a defect in the warrant, or in 28 compliance with section 131, unless the defect affects the 29 substance of the warrant in a material particular. 30 (9) As soon as an authorised person enters private property under 31 a warrant, the authorised person must do, or make a 32 reasonable attempt to do, the following things-- 33 Page 118

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 131] (a) inform any occupier of the property-- 1 (i) of the reason for entering the property; and 2 (ii) that the warrant authorises the authorised person to 3 enter the property without the permission of the 4 occupier; 5 (b) give any occupier a reasonable opportunity to allow the 6 authorised person to immediately enter the property 7 without using force. 8 (10) However, the authorised person does not need to comply with 9 subsection (9) if the authorised person believes that immediate 10 entry to the property is required to ensure the warrant is 11 effectively executed. 12 131 Warrants--applications made electronically 13 (1) An authorised person may make an electronic application for 14 a warrant if the authorised person considers it necessary 15 because of-- 16 (a) urgent circumstances; or 17 (b) special circumstances (including the authorised person's 18 remote location, for example). 19 (2) An electronic application is an application made by phone, 20 fax, radio, email, videoconferencing or another form of 21 electronic communication. 22 (3) The authorised person must prepare an application for the 23 warrant that states the grounds on which the warrant is sought, 24 before applying for the warrant. 25 (4) However, the authorised person may apply for the warrant 26 before the application is sworn. 27 (5) The magistrate may issue the warrant only if the magistrate is 28 satisfied that-- 29 (a) it was necessary to make the application electronically; 30 and 31 Page 119

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 131] (b) the way that the application was made was appropriate 1 in the circumstances. 2 (6) If the magistrate issues the warrant, and it is reasonably 3 practicable to send a copy of the warrant to the authorised 4 person (by fax or email, for example), the magistrate must 5 immediately do so. 6 (7) If it is not reasonably practicable to send a copy of the warrant 7 to the authorised person-- 8 (a) the magistrate must-- 9 (i) inform the authorised person of the date and time 10 when the magistrate signed the warrant; and 11 (ii) inform the authorised person of the terms of the 12 warrant; and 13 (b) the authorised person must write on a warrant form-- 14 (i) the magistrate's name; and 15 (ii) the date and time when the magistrate signed the 16 warrant; and 17 (iii) the terms of the warrant. 18 (8) The copy of the warrant sent to the authorised person, or the 19 warrant form properly completed by the authorised person, 20 authorises the authorised person to enter the property, and to 21 exercise the powers, mentioned in the warrant that was signed 22 by the magistrate. 23 (9) The authorised person must, at the first reasonable 24 opportunity, send the magistrate-- 25 (a) the sworn application; and 26 (b) if the authorised person completed a warrant form--the 27 completed warrant form. 28 (10) When the magistrate receives those documents, the magistrate 29 must attach them to the warrant that was signed by the 30 magistrate, and give the warrant to the clerk of the court. 31 Page 120

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 132] (11) Unless the contrary is proven, a court must presume that a 1 power exercised by an authorised person was not authorised 2 by a warrant issued under this section if-- 3 (a) a question arises, in any proceedings before the court, 4 whether the exercise of power was authorised by a 5 warrant; and 6 (b) the warrant is not produced in evidence. 7 132 Entering under an application, permit or notice 8 (1) This section applies if an authorised person wants to enter a 9 property-- 10 (a) to inspect the property in order to process an application 11 made under any Local Government Act; or 12 (b) to inspect a record that is required to be kept for a 13 budget accommodation building under the Building Act, 14 chapter 7; or 15 (c) to find out whether the conditions on which a permit or 16 notice was issued have been complied with; or 17 (d) to inspect work that was carried out under a permit or 18 notice. 19 (2) A permit is an approval, authorisation, consent, licence, 20 permission, registration or other authority issued under any 21 Local Government Act. 22 (3) A notice is a notice issued under any Local Government Act. 23 (4) The authorised person may enter the property without the 24 permission of the occupier of the property-- 25 (a) at any reasonable time during the day; or 26 (b) at night, if-- 27 (i) the occupier of the property asks the authorised 28 person to enter the property at that time; or 29 (ii) the conditions of the permit allow the authorised 30 person to enter the property at that time; or 31 Page 121

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 133] (iii) the property is a public place and is not closed to 1 the public. 2 (5) However, the authorised person-- 3 (a) must, as soon as the authorised person enters the 4 property, inform any occupier of the property-- 5 (i) of the reason for entering the property; and 6 (ii) that the authorised person is authorised under this 7 Act to enter the property without the permission of 8 the occupier; and 9 (b) may enter a home that is on the property only if the 10 occupier of the relevant part of the property 11 accompanies the authorised person. 12 133 Entering property under an approved inspection program 13 (1) An authorised person may enter a property (other than a home 14 on the property) without the permission of the occupier of the 15 property, at any reasonable time of the day or night, under an 16 approved inspection program. 17 (2) An approved inspection program is a program, approved by a 18 local government, under which an authorised person may 19 enter and inspect properties in the local government area to 20 ensure the Local Government Acts are being complied with. 21 Example of an approved inspection program-- 22 a program to ensure that swimming pools are fenced in accordance with 23 a local law 24 (3) The local government must give, or must make a reasonable 25 attempt to give, the occupier of the property a written notice 26 that informs the occupier of the following-- 27 (a) the local government's intention to enter the property; 28 (b) the reason for entering the property; 29 (c) an estimation of when the property will be entered. 30 Page 122

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 134] Example-- 1 A local government may give the written notice to an occupier of a 2 property by dropping a flyer in the letterbox for the property. 3 (4) The local government must give, or make a reasonable 4 attempt to give, the written notice to the occupier within a 5 reasonable time before the property is to be entered. 6 (5) The authorised person-- 7 (a) must, as soon as the authorised person enters the 8 property, inform any occupier of the property-- 9 (i) of the reason for entering the property; and 10 (ii) that the authorised person is authorised under this 11 Act to enter the property without the permission of 12 the occupier; and 13 (b) may enter a budget accommodation building on the 14 property only to monitor compliance with the Building 15 Act, chapter 7. 16 134 Approving an inspection program 17 (1) A local government may, by resolution, approve the following 18 types of inspection programs-- 19 (a) a systematic inspection program; 20 (b) a selective inspection program. 21 (2) A systematic inspection program allows an authorised person 22 to enter and inspect all properties, or all properties of a certain 23 type, in the local government area. 24 (3) A selective inspection program allows an authorised person 25 to enter and inspect those properties in the local government 26 area that have been selected in accordance with objective 27 criteria specified in the resolution. 28 (4) The resolution must state-- 29 (a) the purpose of the program; and 30 (b) when the program starts; and 31 Page 123

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 134] (c) for a systematic inspection program that allows a type of 1 property to be entered and inspected--a description of 2 the type of property; and 3 (d) for a selective inspection program--the objective 4 criteria for selecting the properties to be entered and 5 inspected; and 6 (e) the period (of not more than 3 months or another period 7 prescribed under a regulation) over which the program 8 is to be carried out. 9 (5) The local government must give the public notice of the 10 approval of an inspection program, at least 14 days, but not 11 more than 28 days, before the approved inspection program 12 starts. 13 (6) The notice must be published-- 14 (a) in a newspaper that is circulating generally in the local 15 government area; and 16 (b) on the local government's website. 17 (7) The notice must state the following-- 18 (a) the name of the local government; 19 (b) the purpose and scope of the program, in general terms; 20 (c) when the program starts; 21 (d) the period over which the program is to be carried out; 22 (e) that the public may inspect a copy of the resolution that 23 approved the program at the local government's public 24 office until the end of the program; 25 (f) that a copy of the resolution that approved the program 26 may be purchased at the local government's public 27 office until the end of the program; 28 (g) the price of a copy of the resolution that approved the 29 program. 30 Page 124

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 135] (8) The price of a copy of the resolution that approved the 1 program must be no more than the cost to the local 2 government of making the copy available for purchase. 3 (9) From the time when the notice is published in the newspaper 4 until the end of the program-- 5 (a) the public may inspect a copy of the resolution that 6 approved the program at the local government's public 7 office; and 8 (b) copies of the resolution that approved the program must 9 be available for purchase at the local government's 10 public office at the price stated in the notice. 11 135 General powers after entering a property 12 (1) This section explains the powers that an authorised person has 13 after entering a property, other than entering a property-- 14 (a) to ask the occupier of the property for permission to stay 15 on the property; or 16 (b) under section 132 or 133. 17 (2) The authorised person may-- 18 (a) search any part of the property; or 19 (b) inspect, test, photograph or film anything that is in or on 20 the property; or 21 (c) copy a document that is in or on the property; or 22 (d) take samples of or from anything that is in or on the 23 property; or 24 (e) take into or onto the property any persons, equipment 25 and materials that the authorised person reasonably 26 requires for exercising the authorised person's powers; 27 or 28 (f) require the occupier of the property, or a person in or on 29 the property, to give the authorised person reasonable 30 Page 125

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 136] help to exercise the authorised person's powers under 1 paragraphs (a) to (e). 2 (3) If a person is required to give reasonable help under 3 subsection (2)(f), the person must comply with the 4 requirement, unless the person has a reasonable excuse. 5 Maximum penalty--8 penalty units. 6 (4) If the requirement is to be complied with by the person giving 7 information or producing a document, it is a reasonable 8 excuse for the person to fail to comply with the requirement if 9 complying with the requirement might incriminate the person. 10 136 Authorised person to give notice of damage 11 (1) This section applies if-- 12 (a) something is damaged by-- 13 (i) an authorised person, when the authorised person 14 exercises a power under this division; or 15 (ii) a person who is authorised by an authorised person 16 to take action under this division, when the person 17 takes the action; or 18 (b) the authorised person considers, on reasonable grounds, 19 that the damage is more than trivial damage. 20 (2) The authorised person must immediately give written notice 21 of the particulars of the damage to the person who appears to 22 be the owner of the thing that was damaged. 23 (3) However, if for any reason it is not practicable to do so, the 24 authorised person must leave the notice, in a reasonably 25 secure way and in a conspicuous position, at the place where 26 the thing was damaged. 27 (4) The owner of a thing includes a person in possession or 28 control of the thing. 29 (5) If the authorised person believes the damage was caused by a 30 latent defect in the thing, or other circumstances beyond the 31 Page 126

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 137] authorised person's control, the authorised person may state 1 that in the notice. 2 137 Compensation for damage or loss caused after entry 3 (1) If a person incurs damage or loss because of the exercise, or 4 purported exercise, of a power under this division, the local 5 government must pay the person compensation. 6 (2) The compensation equals-- 7 (a) the amount agreed between the person and local 8 government; or 9 (b) if the person and local government can not agree, the 10 amount that is decided by a court. 11 (3) The person may claim the compensation in-- 12 (a) any proceedings for compensation; or 13 (b) any proceedings brought against the person for an 14 offence against any Local Government Act. 15 (4) A court may order compensation to be paid only if the court is 16 satisfied it is just to do so in all the circumstances. 17 (5) A regulation may prescribe matters that may, or must, be 18 taken into account by the court when considering whether it is 19 just to make the order. 20 (6) The court may make any order about costs that the court 21 considers just. 22 Division 2 Powers of other persons 23 138 What this division is about 24 (1) This division is about the powers that may be used-- 25 (a) to enable a local government to perform its 26 responsibilities; or 27 Page 127

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 138] (b) to ensure that a person complies with this Act, and the 1 other Local Government Acts, including by complying 2 with a remedial notice. 3 (2) A remedial notice is a notice-- 4 (a) that a local government gives to the owner of a property 5 within the local government area; and 6 (b) that requires action to be taken in relation to the 7 property under a Local Government Act (including 8 fencing a pool, for example). 9 (3) This division explains the circumstances in which a person is 10 authorised to enter a property under this division, namely-- 11 (a) in a potentially dangerous situation, to take urgent 12 action; or 13 (b) to take action in relation to local government facilities 14 on the property (including water or sewerage pipes, for 15 example); or 16 (c) with (and in accordance with) the permission of the 17 occupier of the property; or 18 (d) with (and in accordance with) a court order; or 19 (e) with (and in accordance with) reasonable written notice. 20 (4) Reasonable written notice is a written notice, given at least 7 21 days before a property is to be entered, that informs the owner 22 and the occupier of the property of-- 23 (a) the local government's intention to enter the property; 24 and 25 (b) the reason for entering the property; and 26 (c) the days and times when the property is to be entered. 27 (5) The following persons may enter a property under this 28 division-- 29 (a) if the occupier of the property is not the owner of the 30 property--the owner or the owner's employee; 31 Page 128

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 139] (b) a local government worker. 1 (6) A local government worker is an employee, or agent, of the 2 local government who is authorised to act under this section. 3 (7) The local government must give each local government 4 worker an identity card. 5 (8) Force must not be used to enter a property under this division, 6 unless the property is entered under a court order that 7 specifically authorises the use of that force. 8 139 Entry with, and in accordance with, permission of 9 occupier 10 (1) Any person may enter a property with the permission of the 11 occupier of the property. 12 (2) However, the right to enter the property-- 13 (a) is subject to any conditions that the occupier imposes 14 (including about the times when the property may be 15 entered, for example); and 16 (b) may be cancelled by the occupier at any time. 17 140 Entry by an owner, with reasonable written notice, under 18 a remedial notice 19 (1) This section applies if-- 20 (a) a local government gives a remedial notice to the owner 21 of a property; and 22 (b) the owner is not the occupier of the property. 23 (2) After the owner gives reasonable written notice to the 24 occupier of the property, the owner or the owner's employee 25 may-- 26 (a) enter the property at any reasonable time; and 27 (b) take the action that is required under the remedial 28 notice. 29 Page 129

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 141] (3) If the occupier asks to inspect the remedial notice, the owner 1 must allow the occupier to inspect the remedial notice. 2 (4) If the occupier refuses to allow the owner to enter the property 3 and the owner informs the local government of that, the owner 4 is not liable for failing to comply with the remedial notice. 5 (5) This section does not affect any rights that the owner has apart 6 from this section. 7 141 Occupier may discharge owner's obligations 8 (1) This section applies if-- 9 (a) the owner of a property fails-- 10 (i) to take the action in relation to the property that is 11 required under a remedial notice; or 12 (ii) to pay money that is payable in relation to the 13 property under a Local Government Act (including 14 rates, for example); and 15 (b) the occupier of the property is not the owner of the 16 property. 17 (2) The occupier of the property may-- 18 (a) take the action that is required, and recover the amount 19 that the occupier properly and reasonably incurs in 20 taking the action as a debt payable by the owner; or 21 (b) pay the money that is payable, and recover the money as 22 a debt payable by the owner. 23 (3) For example, if the occupier is the owner's tenant, the 24 occupier may deduct the money from any rent that the 25 occupier owes the owner, without being in breach of the 26 tenancy agreement. 27 142 Entry by a local government worker, with reasonable 28 written notice, under a remedial notice 29 (1) This section applies if-- 30 Page 130

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 142] (a) a local government gives a remedial notice to the owner 1 of a property; and 2 (b) both the owner and the occupier of the property fail to 3 take the action required under the remedial notice. 4 (2) After giving reasonable written notice to the owner and the 5 occupier of the property, a local government worker may-- 6 (a) enter the property (other than a home on the property) 7 without the permission of the occupier; and 8 (b) take the action that is required under the remedial 9 notice. 10 (3) However, the local government worker must, as soon as the 11 local government worker enters the property-- 12 (a) inform any occupier of the property-- 13 (i) of the reason for entering the property; and 14 (ii) that the local government worker is authorised 15 under this Act to enter the property without the 16 permission of the occupier; and 17 (b) produce his or her identity card for the occupier of the 18 property to inspect. 19 (4) The local government may recover the amount that the local 20 government properly and reasonably incurs in taking the 21 action as a debt payable by the person who failed to take the 22 action. 23 (5) If both the owner and the occupier failed to take the action, 24 the owner and the occupier are jointly and severally liable for 25 the debt. 26 (6) The local government must give the person who failed to take 27 the action written notice of the amount of the debt. 28 (7) If the debt is not paid within 30 days after the date of the 29 written notice, the local government may recover the debt as 30 if the debt were overdue rates. 31 Page 131

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 143] (8) Interest is payable on the debt at the same rate that interest is 1 payable on overdue rates levied by the local government. 2 143 Entry by a local government worker, with reasonable 3 written notice, to take materials 4 (1) This section applies if, in the circumstances, a local 5 government has no other reasonably practicable way of 6 obtaining materials other than by removing the materials from 7 rateable land that is not protected land. 8 (2) Protected land is land that is-- 9 (a) the site of, or curtilage around, a home or other 10 structure; or 11 (b) a court, lawn, park, planted walk or avenue or yard; or 12 (c) under cultivation (including a garden, nursery or 13 plantation, for example); or 14 (d) a state forest or timber reserve under the Forestry Act; or 15 (e) a protected area under the Nature Conservation Act 16 1992; or 17 (f) the wet tropics area under the Wet Tropics World 18 Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993; or 19 (g) outside the local government area, unless the local 20 government has the Minister's approval. 21 (3) After giving reasonable written notice to the owner and the 22 occupier of the rateable land, a local government worker 23 may-- 24 (a) enter the land without the permission of the occupier of 25 the land; and 26 (b) search for materials that the local government requires 27 to perform its responsibilities; and 28 (c) remove the materials from the land. 29 Page 132

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 144] Example-- 1 A local government may remove dirt from the land for use in mopping 2 up an oil spill on a neighbouring road to prevent the oil entering a 3 stormwater drain. 4 (4) However, the local government worker must, as soon as the 5 local government worker enters the property-- 6 (a) inform any occupier of the property-- 7 (i) of the reason for entering the property; and 8 (ii) that the local government worker is authorised 9 under this Act to enter the property without the 10 permission of the occupier; and 11 (b) produce his or her identity card for the occupier of the 12 property to inspect. 13 (5) The local government worker must not search for, or remove 14 materials from, within 50m of any structure or works on the 15 land (including a home, bridge, dam or wharf, for example). 16 144 Entry by a local government worker, at reasonable times, 17 to repair etc. facilities 18 (1) At all reasonable times, a local government worker may enter 19 a property (other than a home on the property) without the 20 permission of the occupier of the property-- 21 (a) to investigate the future installation of local government 22 facilities on, over or under the property; or 23 (b) to install local government facilities on, over or under 24 the property; or 25 (c) to inspect, maintain, operate, repair, replace or remove 26 local government facilities, that are on, over or under the 27 property, for their routine operations. 28 (2) Local government facilities are facilities that are installed by 29 a local government (including sewerage pipes, for example). 30 (3) However, the local government worker must, as soon as the 31 local government worker enters the property-- 32 Page 133

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 145] (a) inform any occupier of the property-- 1 (i) of the reason for entering the property; and 2 (ii) that the local government worker is authorised 3 under this Act to enter the property without the 4 permission of the occupier; and 5 (b) produce his or her identity card for the occupier of the 6 property to inspect. 7 145 Entry by a local government worker, at any time, for 8 urgent action 9 (1) A local government worker may enter a property (other than a 10 home on the property), at any time without the permission of 11 the occupier of the property, in a potentially dangerous 12 situation to take urgent action for local government purposes. 13 Example-- 14 A local government worker may enter a property to cut down a tree that 15 was blown over in a storm and is in danger of falling and injuring 16 someone or damaging property. 17 (2) However, the local government worker must, as soon as 18 reasonably practicable after the local government worker 19 enters the property-- 20 (a) inform any occupier of the property-- 21 (i) of the reason for entering the property; and 22 (ii) that the local government worker is authorised 23 under this Act to enter the property without the 24 permission of the occupier; and 25 (b) produce his or her identity card for the occupier of the 26 property to inspect. 27 146 Entry with, and in accordance with, a court order 28 (1) A person may enter a property with, and in accordance with, a 29 court order made under this section. 30 Page 134

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 146] (2) The person must apply to a magistrate for the court order. 1 (3) The application must-- 2 (a) be in the form approved by the department's chief 3 executive; and 4 (b) be sworn; and 5 (c) state the grounds on which the court order is sought. 6 (4) The person must, as soon as practicable, give a copy of the 7 application to-- 8 (a) if the person is not the owner of the property--the 9 owner of the property; and 10 (b) the occupier of the property. 11 (5) The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the 12 person gives the magistrate all the information that the 13 magistrate requires about the application in the way that the 14 magistrate requires. 15 Example-- 16 The magistrate may require additional information supporting the 17 application to be given by statutory declaration. 18 (6) If the magistrate is satisfied that entry to the property is 19 necessary to allow the person to take action under any of the 20 Local Government Acts, the magistrate may make the court 21 order. 22 (7) The court order must-- 23 (a) direct the occupier of the property to allow the person to 24 enter the property and take all action that is necessary 25 under any Local Government Act; and 26 (b) state the hours of the day or night when the property 27 may be entered; and 28 (c) state the day (within 14 days after the court order is 29 made) when the court order ends. 30 (8) If the person who applied for the court order is a local 31 government worker, the court order may authorise the local 32 Page 135

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 147] government worker to use necessary and reasonable help and 1 force to enter the property. 2 (9) The magistrate must record the reasons for making the court 3 order. 4 (10) As soon as the person enters the property under the court 5 order, the person must do, or make a reasonable attempt to do, 6 the following things-- 7 (a) inform any occupier of the property-- 8 (i) of the reason for entering the property; and 9 (ii) that the person is authorised under the court order 10 to enter the property without the permission of the 11 occupier; 12 (b) if the court order authorises the person to use force to 13 enter the property--give the occupier a reasonable 14 opportunity to allow the person to immediately enter the 15 property without using force. 16 147 Compensation for damage or loss caused 17 (1) A local government worker who enters a property-- 18 (a) must not cause, or contribute to, damage to any structure 19 or works on the property; and 20 (b) must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the worker 21 causes as little inconvenience, and does as little other 22 damage, as is practicable in the circumstances. 23 (2) If a person incurs damage or loss because of the exercise, or 24 purported exercise, of a power under this division (including 25 the loss of the value of materials removed from a property, or 26 the reduction in the value of the property, for example), the 27 local government must pay the person compensation. 28 (3) The compensation equals-- 29 (a) the amount agreed between the person and local 30 government; or 31 Page 136

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 5 Monitoring and enforcing the Local Government Acts Part 2 The public [s 148] (b) if the person and local government can not agree, the 1 amount that is decided by a court. 2 (4) The court may make any order about costs that the court 3 considers just. 4 148 Limitation of time in absence of notice of work done 5 (1) This section applies if work is done on a property without an 6 approval that is required under a Local Government Act. 7 (2) For the purposes of any limitation of time for taking any 8 proceedings or doing anything else about the work, the work 9 is taken to have been done when a local government worker 10 first finds out about the work. 11 Division 3 Offences 12 149 Obstructing enforcement of Local Government Acts 13 (1) A person must not obstruct another person who is taking 14 action that the other person is required or authorised to take 15 under a Local Government Act. 16 Maximum penalty--50 penalty units. 17 (2) A person must not pull down, damage, deface or destroy a 18 board or anything else that is displaying a local law, order, 19 notice or other matter authorised by a local government. 20 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 21 150 Impersonating an authorised person 22 A person must not pretend to be an authorised person. 23 Maximum penalty--50 penalty units. 24 Page 137

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 1 Introduction [s 151] Chapter 6 Administration 1 Part 1 Introduction 2 151 What this chapter is about 3 (1) This chapter contains provisions about-- 4 (a) persons who are elected or appointed to perform 5 responsibilities under this Act; and 6 (b) bodies that are created to perform responsibilities under 7 this Act. 8 (2) For example, this chapter contains provisions about-- 9 (a) qualifications for election or appointment; and 10 (b) acting appointments; and 11 (c) conditions of appointment; and 12 (d) ending appointments. 13 Part 2 Councillors 14 Division 1 Qualifications of councillors 15 152 Qualifications of councillors 16 (1) A person is qualified to be a councillor of a local government, 17 other than the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, only if 18 the person-- 19 (a) is an Australian citizen; and 20 (b) is not disqualified from being a councillor because of a 21 section in this division. 22 Page 138

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 153] (2) A person is qualified to be the mayor of the Torres Strait 1 Island Regional Council only if the person-- 2 (a) is an Australian citizen; and 3 (b) is a Torres Strait Islander or an Aborigine; and 4 (c) on the nomination day for the election, has lived in the 5 local government area for the 2 years immediately 6 before the nomination day; and 7 (d) is not disqualified from being a councillor because of a 8 section in this division. 9 (3) A person is qualified to be another councillor of the Torres 10 Strait Island Regional Council only if the person-- 11 (a) is an Australian citizen; and 12 (b) is a Torres Strait Islander or an Aborigine; and 13 (c) on the nomination day for the election, has lived in the 14 particular division for which the person is to be a 15 candidate for the 2 years immediately before the 16 nomination day; and 17 (d) is not disqualified from being a councillor because of a 18 section in this division. 19 153 Disqualification for certain offences 20 (1) A person can not be a councillor-- 21 (a) after the person is convicted of a treason offence, unless 22 the person is pardoned of the treason offence; or 23 (b) for 10 years after the person is convicted of an electoral 24 offence; or 25 (c) for 7 years after the person is convicted of a bribery 26 offence; or 27 (d) for 4 years after the person is convicted of an integrity 28 offence; or 29 Page 139

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 153] (e) for the remainder of the term before the next 1 quadrennial elections, if the person has been dismissed 2 as a councillor under section 122 or 123. 3 (2) A treason offence is an offence of treason, sedition or 4 sabotage under the law of Queensland, another State or the 5 Commonwealth. 6 (3) An electoral offence is-- 7 (a) a disqualifying electoral offence under the Electoral 8 Act; or 9 (b) an offence that would be a disqualifying electoral 10 offence had the conviction been recorded after the 11 commencement of the Electoral and Other Acts 12 Amendment Act 2002. 13 (4) A bribery offence is an offence against-- 14 (a) section 98C of the Criminal Code; or 15 (b) a corresponding law of another State or the 16 Commonwealth; or 17 (c) another offence prescribed under a regulation. 18 (5) An integrity offence is an offence against-- 19 (a) section 171, 172, 173, 174(3), 234; or 20 (b) section 98B, 98E or 98G(a) or (b) of the Criminal Code; 21 or 22 (c) another offence prescribed under a regulation. 23 (6) A person automatically stops being a councillor when the 24 person is convicted of-- 25 (a) a treason offence; or 26 (b) an electoral offence; or 27 (c) a bribery offence; or 28 (d) an integrity offence. 29 (7) A person is taken to have been convicted of an offence-- 30 Page 140

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 154] (a) if the person appeals the conviction--when the appeal is 1 dismissed, struck out or discontinued; or 2 (b) if the person does not appeal the conviction--at the end 3 of the time within which an appeal must by law be 4 started. 5 154 Disqualification of prisoners 6 (1) A person can not be a councillor while the person is a 7 prisoner. 8 (2) A prisoner is a person who-- 9 (a) is serving a period of imprisonment; or 10 (b) is liable to serve a period of imprisonment, even though 11 the person has been released from imprisonment (on 12 parole or leave of absence, for example). 13 (3) A person automatically stops being a councillor when the 14 person becomes a prisoner. 15 155 Disqualification because of other high office 16 (1) A person can not be a councillor while the person is a 17 government member. 18 (2) A government member is-- 19 (a) a member of a Parliament of the Commonwealth or a 20 State (including Queensland); or 21 (b) a councillor of a local government of another State. 22 (3) A person automatically stops being a councillor when the 23 person becomes-- 24 (a) a government member; or 25 (b) a candidate for election as a member of the Legislative 26 Assembly. 27 Page 141

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 156] 156 Disqualification during bankruptcy 1 (1) A person can not be a councillor while the person is a 2 bankrupt. 3 (2) A person is a bankrupt if, under a bankruptcy law-- 4 (a) the person is an undischarged bankrupt; or 5 (b) the person has executed a deed of arrangement, and the 6 terms of the deed have not been fully complied with; or 7 (c) the person's creditors have accepted a composition, and 8 a final payment has not been made under the 9 composition. 10 (3) A bankruptcy law is-- 11 (a) the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cwlth); or 12 (b) a corresponding law of another jurisdiction, including a 13 jurisdiction outside Australia. 14 (4) A person automatically stops being a councillor when the 15 person becomes a bankrupt. 16 157 Judicial review of qualifications 17 (1) Any person who is entitled to vote in a local government 18 election may apply for a judicial review of the eligibility, or 19 continued eligibility, of a person to be a councillor on the 20 basis that the person is disqualified under this division. 21 (2) This section does not limit the Judicial Review Act. 22 158 Acting as councillor without authority 23 A person must not act as a councillor if the person knows 24 that-- 25 (a) the person is not qualified to be a councillor; or 26 (b) the person's office as a councillor has been vacated. 27 Maximum penalty--85 penalty units. 28 Page 142

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 159] Division 2 Councillor's term of office 1 159 When a councillor's term starts 2 A councillor's term starts on-- 3 (a) if the councillor is elected--the day after the conclusion 4 of the councillor's election; or 5 (b) if the councillor is appointed--the day on which the 6 councillor is appointed. 7 160 When a councillor's term ends 8 A councillor's term ends-- 9 (a) if the councillor is elected at a quadrennial election or at 10 a fresh election--at the conclusion of the next 11 quadrennial election; or 12 (b) if the councillor is elected at a fresh election and a 13 declaration is also made under a regulation--at the 14 conclusion of the quadrennial election after the next 15 quadrennial election; or 16 (c) if the councillor is elected or appointed to fill a vacancy 17 in the office of another councillor--at the end of the 18 other councillor's term; or 19 (d) when the Legislative Assembly ratifies the dissolution 20 of the local government under section 123; or 21 (e) when the councillor's office becomes otherwise vacant. 22 Note-- 23 See section 162 for an explanation of when this happens. 24 Page 143

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 161] Division 3 Vacancies in councillor's office 1 161 What this division is about 2 (1) This division is about when a councillor's office becomes 3 vacant, and the way in which the vacancy is to be filled. 4 (2) The way in which a vacancy is to be filled depends on-- 5 (a) whether the vacancy is in the office of the mayor or of 6 another councillor; and 7 (b) if the vacancy is in the office of another 8 councillor--whether the office becomes vacant during 9 the beginning, middle or end of the local government's 10 term. 11 (3) The beginning of the local government's term is the period of 12 12 months that-- 13 (a) starts on the day when the last quadrennial elections 14 were held; and 15 (b) ends on the day before the first anniversary of the last 16 quadrennial elections. 17 (4) The middle of the local government's term is the period of 18 18 months that-- 19 (a) starts on the first anniversary of the last quadrennial 20 elections; and 21 (b) ends on the day before the final part of the local 22 government's term starts. 23 (5) The final part of the local government's term is the period 24 that-- 25 (a) starts 30 months after the last quadrennial elections 26 were held; and 27 (b) ends on the day before the next quadrennial elections are 28 held. 29 Page 144

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 162] 162 When a councillor's office becomes vacant 1 (1) A councillor's office becomes vacant if the councillor-- 2 (a) is dismissed; or 3 (b) ceases to be qualified to be a councillor under division 4 1; or 5 (c) is found, on a judicial review, to be ineligible to 6 continue to be a councillor; or 7 (d) does not comply with section 169; or 8 (e) is absent, without the local government's leave, from 2 9 or more consecutive ordinary meetings of the local 10 government over at least 2 months; or 11 (f) resigns as a councillor by signed notice of resignation 12 given to the chief executive officer; or 13 (g) dies; or 14 (h) becomes a local government employee. 15 (2) A local government employee does not include-- 16 (a) a person employed under a federally funded community 17 development project for Aborigines or Torres Strait 18 Islanders; or 19 (b) a person prescribed under a regulation. 20 163 When a vacancy in an office must be filled 21 (1) This section explains when a vacant office of a councillor 22 (including the mayor) must be filled. 23 (2) If a councillor's office becomes vacant 6 months or more 24 before quadrennial elections are required to be held, the local 25 government must fill the vacant office. 26 (3) The local government must fill the vacant office within 2 27 months after the office becomes vacant. 28 Page 145

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 164] (4) If the local government does not do so, the Governor in 1 Council may appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant 2 office. 3 (5) If a councillor's office becomes vacant within 6 months of 4 when quadrennial elections are required to be held, the local 5 government may decide not to fill the vacant office. 6 164 Filling a vacancy in the office of mayor 7 (1) This section applies if the local government is to fill a vacant 8 office of a mayor. 9 (2) The vacant office must be filled by a by-election. 10 165 Acting mayor 11 (1) The deputy mayor acts for the mayor during-- 12 (a) the absence or temporary incapacity of the mayor; or 13 (b) a vacancy in the office of mayor. 14 (2) If-- 15 (a) the office of mayor is vacant and the deputy mayor is 16 prevented, by absence or temporary incapacity, from 17 acting as the mayor; or 18 (b) the mayor and deputy mayor are both prevented, by 19 absence or temporary incapacity, from performing the 20 role of mayor; or 21 (c) the offices of both the mayor and deputy mayor are 22 vacant; 23 the local government may, by resolution, appoint an acting 24 mayor from its councillors. 25 (3) A local government may, by resolution, declare that the office 26 of deputy mayor is vacant. 27 Page 146

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 166] (4) The resolution may be passed only if written notice of the 1 resolution has been given to the councillors at least 14 days 2 before the meeting. 3 (5) If a local government declares that the office of deputy mayor 4 is vacant, it must immediately appoint another deputy mayor 5 from its councillors. 6 166 Filling a vacancy in the office of another councillor 7 (1) This section applies if the local government is to fill a vacant 8 office of a councillor (the former councillor) who is not the 9 mayor. 10 (2) If the office becomes vacant during the beginning of the local 11 government's term, the local government must fill the vacant 12 office by either-- 13 (a) a by-election; or 14 (b) appointing the runner-up in the last election. 15 (3) The runner-up in the last election is the person who would 16 have been elected if the former councillor had not won the last 17 quadrennial election. 18 (4) If the office becomes vacant during the middle of the local 19 government's term, the vacant office must be filled by a 20 by-election. 21 (5) If the office becomes vacant during the final part of the local 22 government's term, the vacant office must be filled by 23 appointing a person who is-- 24 (a) qualified to be a councillor; and 25 (b) if the former councillor was elected or appointed to 26 office as a political party's nominee--the political 27 party's nominee. 28 (6) If the person who is to be appointed must be the political 29 party's nominee, the chief executive officer must request the 30 political party to advise the full name and address of its 31 nominee. 32 Page 147

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 167] (7) The request must be made by a written notice given to the 1 political party's registered officer, within 14 days after the 2 office becomes vacant. 3 (8) If the person who is to be appointed need not be a political 4 party's nominee, the chief executive officer must, within 14 5 days after the office becomes vacant, invite nominations 6 from-- 7 (a) any person who is qualified to be a councillor, by 8 written notice published-- 9 (i) in a newspaper that is circulating generally in the 10 local government area; and 11 (ii) on the local government's website; and 12 (b) each person who was a candidate for the office of the 13 former councillor at the last quadrennial election, by 14 written notice. 15 (9) If the chief executive officer receives any nominations from 16 qualified persons or candidates, the local government must fill 17 the vacant office by appointing one of those persons or 18 candidates. 19 Division 4 Councillors with other jobs 20 167 Councillors and local government jobs 21 (1) If a person becomes a councillor while the person is a local 22 government employee, the person is taken to have resigned as 23 a local government employee on the day before the person 24 becomes a councillor. 25 (2) A local government employee includes an employee of a type 26 of entity prescribed under a regulation. 27 (3) However, a local government employee does not include a 28 person who-- 29 Page 148

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 168] (a) is employed under a federally funded community 1 development project for Aborigines or Torres Strait 2 Islanders; or 3 (b) is a member of a class of employees that is prescribed 4 under a regulation. 5 168 Senior councillors and full-time government jobs 6 (1) A person can not be a senior councillor and have a full-time 7 government job at the same time. 8 (2) A senior councillor is-- 9 (a) a councillor of a local government with a remuneration 10 category of 5 or higher; or 11 (b) the mayor of a local government with a remuneration 12 category of 3 or 4; or 13 (c) a councillor of another local government that is 14 prescribed under a regulation. 15 (3) A person has a full-time government job if-- 16 (a) the person holds a full-time appointment with a 17 government entity or the parliamentary service; and 18 (b) the person or someone else (including a family member, 19 for example) is entitled to a reward because the person 20 has the job. 21 (4) However, subsection (1) does not apply if-- 22 (a) the senior councillor, before accepting the full-time 23 government job-- 24 (i) signs a waiver that irrevocably waives the 25 entitlement to the reward; and 26 (ii) gives a copy of the waiver to the mayor or, if the 27 senior councillor is the mayor, to the chief 28 executive officer; or 29 (b) an Act expressly requires or allows the senior councillor 30 to have the full-time government job (including by 31 Page 149

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 169] requiring the senior councillor to be a member of a 1 board or tribunal, for example). 2 (5) If a senior councillor purports to accept an appointment in 3 contravention of subsection (1), the appointment is void. 4 (6) If a person becomes a senior councillor while the person has a 5 full-time government job, the person is taken to have resigned 6 from the full-time government job on the day before the 7 person became a senior councillor. 8 (7) This section does not stop a senior councillor from-- 9 (a) having a part-time government job; or 10 (b) converting a full-time government job to a part-time 11 government job, before the person becomes a senior 12 councillor. 13 (8) If a full-time government job is converted to a part-time 14 government job, the senior councillor is entitled to all existing 15 and accruing rights as if the part-time government job were a 16 continuation of the full-time government job. 17 Division 5 Obligations of councillors 18 169 Obligations of councillors before acting in office 19 (1) A councillor must not act in office until the councillor makes 20 the declaration of office. 21 (2) The declaration of office is a declaration prescribed under a 22 regulation. 23 (3) The chief executive officer is authorised to take the 24 declaration of office. 25 (4) The chief executive officer must keep a record of the taking of 26 the declaration of office. 27 (5) A person ceases to be a councillor if the person does not 28 comply with subsection (1) within-- 29 Page 150

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 170] (a) 1 month after being appointed or elected; or 1 (b) a longer period allowed by the Minister. 2 170 Giving directions to local government staff 3 (1) The mayor may give a direction to the chief executive officer. 4 Note-- 5 See section 258 for the prohibition on the mayor delegating this power. 6 (2) However, no other councillor may give a direction to the chief 7 executive officer. 8 (3) No councillor, including the mayor, may give a direction to 9 any other local government employee. 10 (4) The chief executive officer may make guidelines about the 11 way in which a councillor is to ask a local government 12 employee for advice to help the councillor to make a decision. 13 171 Use of information by councillors 14 (1) A person who is, or has been, a councillor must not use 15 information that was acquired as a councillor in order to-- 16 (a) gain, directly or indirectly, a financial advantage for the 17 person or someone else; or 18 (b) harm the local government. 19 (2) A person who is, or has been, a councillor must not release 20 information that the person knows, or should reasonably 21 know, is information that is confidential to the local 22 government. 23 Maximum penalty--100 penalty units or 2 years 24 imprisonment. 25 172 Councillor's material personal interest at a meeting 26 (1) This section applies if-- 27 Page 151

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 172] (a) a matter is to be discussed at a meeting of a local 1 government, or any of its committees; and 2 (b) the matter is not an ordinary business matter; and 3 (c) a councillor has a material personal interest in the 4 matter. 5 Note-- 6 See the dictionary for the definition of an ordinary business matter. 7 (2) A councillor has a material personal interest in the matter if 8 any of the following persons stands to gain a benefit, or suffer 9 a loss, (either directly or indirectly) depending on the outcome 10 of the consideration of the matter at the meeting-- 11 (a) the councillor; 12 (b) a spouse of the councillor; 13 (c) a member of the councillor's family; 14 (d) a partner of the councillor; 15 (e) an employer (other than a government entity) of the 16 councillor; 17 (f) an entity (other than a government entity) of which the 18 councillor or the person's nominee is a member; 19 (g) another person prescribed under a regulation. 20 (3) The councillor must-- 21 (a) inform the meeting of the councillor's material personal 22 interest in the matter; and 23 (b) leave the meeting room (including any area set aside for 24 the public), and stay out of the meeting room while the 25 matter is being discussed and voted on. 26 Maximum penalty-- 27 (a) if the councillor votes on the matter with an intention to 28 gain a benefit, or avoid a loss, for the councillor or 29 someone else--200 penalty units or 2 years 30 imprisonment; or 31 Page 152

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 173] (b) otherwise--85 penalty units. 1 (4) The following information must be recorded in the minutes of 2 the meeting, and on the local government's website-- 3 (a) the name of the councillor who has the material personal 4 interest, or possible material personal interest, in a 5 matter; 6 (b) the nature of the material personal interest, or possible 7 material personal interest, as described by the 8 councillor. 9 173 Councillor's conflict of interest at a meeting 10 (1) This section applies if-- 11 (a) a matter is to be discussed at a meeting of a local 12 government, or any of its committees; and 13 (b) a councillor has a conflict of interest, or could 14 reasonably be taken to have a conflict of interest, in the 15 matter. 16 (2) The councillor must inform the meeting about the councillor's 17 interest in the matter. 18 Maximum penalty--100 penalty units. 19 (3) A conflict of interest is a conflict between-- 20 (a) a councillor's personal interests (including personal 21 interests arising from the councillor's relationships or 22 club memberships, for example); and 23 (b) the public interest; 24 that might lead to a decision that is contrary to the public 25 interest. 26 (4) If the other persons who are entitled to vote at the meeting are 27 informed about a councillor's interest in a matter, by the 28 councillor or someone else, the other persons must-- 29 Page 153

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 174] (a) decide whether the councillor has a conflict of interest, 1 or could reasonably be taken to have a conflict of 2 interest, in the matter; and 3 (b) if the other persons decide that is the case--direct the 4 councillor to leave the meeting room (including any area 5 set aside for the public), and stay out of the meeting 6 room while the matter is being discussed and voted on. 7 (5) The councillor must comply with the decision, unless the 8 councillor has a reasonable excuse. 9 Maximum penalty--100 penalty units. 10 (6) Subsections (4) and (5) do not apply if a majority of the 11 councillors at a meeting inform the meeting under subsection 12 (2). 13 (7) The following must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, 14 and on the local government's website-- 15 (a) the name of the councillor who has a conflict of interest, 16 or could reasonably be taken to have a conflict of 17 interest; 18 (b) the nature of the interest, as described by the councillor; 19 (c) if the councillor voted on the matter--how the 20 councillor voted on the matter; 21 (d) how the majority of persons who were entitled to vote at 22 the meeting voted on the matter. 23 174 Duty to report another councillor's material personal 24 interest, conflict of interest or misconduct 25 (1) This section applies if a councillor knows, or suspects on 26 reasonable grounds, that another councillor has-- 27 (a) a material personal interest, or conflict of interest, in a 28 matter before the local government; or 29 (b) engaged in misconduct. 30 (2) The councillor must, as soon as is practicable, report to-- 31 Page 154

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 175] (a) for a material personal interest or conflict of interest-- 1 (i) if the material personal interest or conflict of 2 interest arises at a meeting of a local government, 3 or any of its committees--the person who is 4 presiding over the meeting; or 5 (ii) otherwise--the chief executive officer; or 6 (b) for misconduct--the chief executive officer. 7 (3) A person commits an offence if the person-- 8 (a) prejudices, or threatens to prejudice, the safety or career 9 of another person because that other person or someone 10 else complied with subsection (2); or 11 (b) intimidates or harasses, or threatens to intimidate or 12 harass, another person because that other person or 13 someone else complied with subsection (2); or 14 (c) takes any action that is, or is likely to be, detrimental to 15 another person because that other person or someone 16 else complied with subsection (2). 17 Maximum penalty--100 penalty units or 2 years 18 imprisonment. 19 175 Post-election meetings 20 (1) A local government must hold a meeting within 14 days 21 after-- 22 (a) the conclusion of each quadrennial election; and 23 (b) the conclusion of a fresh election of its councillors. 24 (2) The local government must, by resolution, appoint a deputy 25 mayor from its councillors-- 26 (a) at that meeting; and 27 (b) at the first meeting after the office of the councillor who 28 is the deputy mayor becomes vacant. 29 Page 155

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 176] Division 6 Conduct and performance of 1 councillors 2 176 What this division is about 3 (1) This division is about dealing with complaints about the 4 conduct and performance of councillors, to ensure that-- 5 (a) appropriate standards of conduct and performance are 6 maintained; and 7 (b) a councillor who engages in misconduct is disciplined. 8 (2) A councillor includes a person who is no longer a councillor 9 but who was a councillor when the misconduct is alleged to 10 have happened. 11 (3) Misconduct is conduct, or a conspiracy or attempt to engage 12 in conduct, of or by a councillor-- 13 (a) that adversely affects, or could adversely affect, (either 14 directly or indirectly) the honest and impartial 15 performance of the councillor's responsibilities or 16 exercise of the councillor's powers; or 17 (b) that is or involves-- 18 (i) the performance of the councillor's 19 responsibilities, or the exercise of the councillor's 20 powers, in a way that is not honest or is not 21 impartial; or 22 (ii) a breach of the trust placed in the councillor; or 23 (iii) a misuse of information or material acquired in or 24 in connection with the performance of the 25 councillor's responsibilities, whether the misuse is 26 for the benefit of the councillor or someone else; or 27 (c) that breaches section 174(2); or 28 (d) that is referred to the department's chief executive as 29 misconduct under section 181. 30 Page 156

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 176] (4) Inappropriate conduct is conduct that is not appropriate 1 conduct for a representative of a local government, but is not 2 misconduct, including for example-- 3 (a) a councillor failing to comply with the local 4 government's procedures; or 5 (b) a councillor behaving in an offensive or disorderly way 6 in a meeting of the local government or any of its 7 committees. 8 (5) It is irrelevant whether the conduct that constitutes 9 misconduct was engaged in-- 10 (a) within Queensland or elsewhere; or 11 (b) when the councillor was not exercising the 12 responsibilities of a councillor. 13 (6) In summary, the process for reviewing complaints of 14 misconduct by councillors is as follows-- 15 · assessing complaints--the chief executive officer 16 assesses each complaint of misconduct, and refers all 17 complaints of misconduct that are not frivolous or 18 vexatious to the department's chief executive 19 · notifying councillor of the hearing of a complaint of 20 misconduct--the department's chief executive notifies 21 the councillor about the hearing of the complaint 22 · hearing and deciding complaints--the regional conduct 23 review panel or tribunal hears the complaint and decides 24 whether or not the councillor engaged in misconduct, 25 and if so, what is the appropriate disciplinary action 26 · taking disciplinary action--disciplinary action is taken 27 against a councillor who has engaged in misconduct, by 28 the regional conduct review panel, the tribunal or the 29 Minister, depending on the severity of the misconduct. 30 (7) A regional conduct review panel is a body, created under this 31 Act, that is responsible for hearing and deciding a complaint 32 of misconduct by a councillor. 33 Page 157

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 177] Note-- 1 See chapter 6, part 4 for more information about the creation of a 2 regional conduct review panel. 3 (8) The tribunal is a body, created under this Act, that is 4 responsible (amongst other things) for hearing and deciding 5 the most serious complaints of misconduct by a councillor. 6 Note-- 7 See chapter 6, part 3 for more information about the creation of the 8 tribunal, and section 183 for the tribunal's other responsibilities. 9 (9) To remove any doubt, a councillor may be dealt with for an 10 act or omission that constitutes misconduct under this Act, 11 and also dealt with for the same act or omission-- 12 (a) as the commission of an offence; or 13 (b) under the Crime and Misconduct Commission Act. 14 (10) A decision under this part by any of the following persons is 15 not subject to appeal-- 16 (a) a regional conduct review panel; 17 (b) the tribunal; 18 (c) the chief executive officer; 19 (d) a mayor; 20 (e) a deputy mayor; 21 (f) the chairperson of a meeting. 22 Note-- 23 See section 244 for more information. 24 177 Assessing complaints 25 (1) This section applies if a local government, or the department's 26 chief executive, makes or receives a complaint about the 27 conduct or performance of a councillor. 28 Page 158

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 177] (2) The local government or department's chief executive must 1 give written notice of the complaint to the chief executive 2 officer. 3 (3) The chief executive officer must assess each complaint to 4 decide whether the complaint-- 5 (a) is about a frivolous matter or was made vexatiously; or 6 (b) is about inappropriate conduct, misconduct, official 7 misconduct or another matter (including a general 8 complaint against the local government, for example). 9 (4) If the chief executive officer assesses that the complaint is 10 about a frivolous matter or was made vexatiously, the chief 11 executive officer may decide that no further action be taken in 12 relation to the complaint. 13 (5) If the chief executive officer assesses that the complaint is 14 about inappropriate conduct, the chief executive officer 15 must-- 16 (a) if the complaint is about conduct of the mayor--refer 17 the complaint to the deputy mayor; or 18 (b) if the complaint is about conduct of another 19 councillor--refer the complaint to the mayor. 20 (6) If the chief executive officer assesses that the complaint is 21 about misconduct, the chief executive officer must refer the 22 complaint to the department's chief executive. 23 (7) If the chief executive officer assesses that the complaint is 24 about official misconduct under the Crime and Misconduct 25 Act, the chief executive officer must deal with the complaint 26 in accordance with that Act. 27 (8) If the chief executive officer assesses that the complaint is 28 about another matter, the chief executive officer must deal 29 with the complaint in an appropriate way. 30 (9) The chief executive officer must give the entity who made the 31 complaint, and the accused councillor, a written notice that 32 states-- 33 Page 159

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 177] (a) the type of complaint that the chief executive officer has 1 assessed the complaint as; and 2 (b) the action (if any) that is proposed to be taken in relation 3 to the complaint; and 4 (c) if the complaint was about a frivolous matter or was 5 made vexatiously--that it is an offence under subsection 6 (10) for a person to make a complaint that is 7 substantially about a matter that the chief executive 8 officer has assessed as being frivolous or vexatious. 9 (10) A person must not make a complaint about the misconduct of 10 a councillor if-- 11 (a) the complaint is substantially the same as a complaint 12 that the person has previously made; and 13 (b) the chief executive officer has given the person a notice 14 that complies with subsection (9). 15 Maximum penalty--10 penalty units. 16 (11) The chief executive officer must keep a record of-- 17 (a) all written complaints received by the chief executive 18 officer; and 19 (b) the outcome of each written complaint, including any 20 disciplinary action or other action that was taken in 21 relation to the complaint. 22 (12) The chief executive officer must ensure that the public may 23 inspect the record-- 24 (a) at the local government's public office; or 25 (b) on the local government's website. 26 (13) However, subsection (12) does not apply to the record of a 27 written complaint that-- 28 (a) the chief executive officer has assessed as being about a 29 frivolous matter or as having been made vexatiously; or 30 (b) is a public interest disclosure within the meaning of the 31 Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994. 32 Page 160

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 178] 178 Notifying councillor of the hearing of a complaint of 1 misconduct 2 (1) This section applies if the chief executive officer refers a 3 complaint to the department's chief executive. 4 (2) The department's chief executive must give the accused 5 councillor a written notice that informs the councillor about 6 the hearing of the complaint of misconduct. 7 (3) The notice must state-- 8 (a) the misconduct that is alleged to have been engaged in 9 by the councillor; and 10 (b) the time and date when the hearing is to begin; and 11 (c) the place where the complaint is to be heard. 12 (4) The notice must be given to the councillor at least 7 days 13 before the hearing is to begin. 14 (5) If all reasonable attempts to give the notice to the councillor 15 have failed, the department's chief executive may-- 16 (a) publish the notice, at least 7 days before the hearing is to 17 begin-- 18 (i) in a newspaper that is circulating in the local 19 government area; and 20 (ii) on the department's website; or 21 (b) direct the local government to publish the notice on the 22 local government's website at least 7 days before the 23 hearing is to begin. 24 179 Hearing and deciding complaints 25 (1) This section is about the hearing of a complaint of misconduct 26 by a regional conduct review panel or the tribunal. 27 (2) A regional conduct review panel or the tribunal may hear 28 complaints of misconduct by a number of councillors in the 29 same hearing, unless the defence of any of the councillors 30 may be prejudiced. 31 Page 161

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 180] (3) The hearing must be conducted in the way set out in chapter 7, 1 part 1. 2 (4) The regional conduct review panel or tribunal may decide all 3 or part of the hearing from the documents brought before the 4 regional conduct review panel or tribunal, without the parties 5 or the witnesses appearing, if-- 6 (a) the regional conduct review panel or tribunal considers 7 it appropriate in all the circumstances; or 8 (b) the parties agree. 9 (5) The standard of proof in the hearing is the balance of 10 probabilities. 11 (6) The regional conduct review panel or tribunal must keep a 12 written record of the hearing, in which it records-- 13 (a) the statements of the councillor and all witnesses; and 14 (b) any reports relating to the councillor that are tendered at 15 the hearing. 16 180 Taking disciplinary action 17 (1) This section applies if, after hearing a complaint of 18 misconduct, the regional conduct review panel or tribunal 19 decides that the councillor engaged in misconduct. 20 (2) The regional conduct review panel may make any 1 or more 21 of the following orders or recommendations that it considers 22 appropriate in view of the circumstances relating to the 23 misconduct-- 24 (a) an order that the councillor be counselled about the 25 misconduct, and how not to repeat the misconduct; 26 (b) an order that the councillor make an admission of error 27 or an apology; 28 (c) an order that the councillor participate in mediation with 29 another person; 30 Page 162

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 180] (d) a recommendation to the department's chief executive to 1 monitor the councillor or the local government for 2 compliance with the Local Government Acts. 3 (3) However, if the regional conduct review panel considers that 4 more serious disciplinary action should be taken, the regional 5 conduct review panel must report the matter to the tribunal for 6 the tribunal to take disciplinary action. 7 (4) The tribunal may make any order or recommendation that it 8 considers appropriate in view of the circumstances relating to 9 the misconduct. 10 (5) For example, the tribunal may make any 1 or more of the 11 following orders or recommendations-- 12 (a) an order that the councillor be counselled about the 13 misconduct, and how not to repeat the misconduct; 14 (b) an order that the councillor make an admission of error 15 or an apology; 16 (c) an order that the councillor participate in mediation with 17 another person; 18 (d) a recommendation to the department's chief executive to 19 monitor the councillor or the local government for 20 compliance with the Local Government Acts; 21 (e) an order that the councillor forfeit an allowance, benefit, 22 payment or privilege; 23 (f) an order that the councillor reimburse the local 24 government; 25 (g) a recommendation to the Minister that the councillor be 26 suspended for a specified period; 27 (h) a recommendation to the Minister that the councillor be 28 dismissed; 29 (i) a recommendation to the Crime and Misconduct 30 Commission or the Commissioner of Police that the 31 councillor's conduct be further investigated. 32 Page 163

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 2 Councillors [s 181] (6) When deciding what disciplinary action is appropriate in view 1 of the circumstances relating to the misconduct, the regional 2 conduct review panel or tribunal may consider-- 3 (a) any misconduct of the councillor in the past; and 4 (b) any allegation made in the hearing that was admitted, or 5 was not challenged. 6 (7) However, the regional conduct review panel or tribunal may 7 consider an allegation that was not admitted, or was 8 challenged, only if the regional conduct review panel or 9 tribunal is satisfied that the allegation is true. 10 (8) The degree to which the regional conduct review panel or 11 tribunal must be satisfied depends on the consequences, that 12 are adverse to the councillor, of finding the allegation to be 13 true. 14 181 Inappropriate conduct 15 (1) If the chief executive officer refers a complaint to the mayor 16 or deputy mayor, the mayor or deputy mayor may make either 17 or both of the following orders that the mayor or deputy 18 mayor considers appropriate in the circumstances-- 19 (a) an order reprimanding the councillor for the 20 inappropriate conduct; 21 (b) an order that any repeat of the inappropriate conduct be 22 referred to the department's chief executive as 23 misconduct. 24 (2) If inappropriate conduct happens in a meeting of the local 25 government or its committees, the chairperson of the meeting 26 may make any 1 or more of the following orders that the 27 chairperson considers appropriate in the circumstances-- 28 (a) an order that the councillor's inappropriate conduct be 29 noted in the minutes of the meeting; 30 (b) an order that the councillor leave the place where the 31 meeting is being held (including any area set aside for 32 Page 164

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 3 The tribunal [s 182] the public), and stay out of the place for the rest of the 1 meeting; 2 (c) an order that a councillor who fails to leave the place 3 where the meeting is being held when ordered to do so, 4 be removed from the place. 5 182 Department's chief executive is public official for CMC 6 Act 7 (1) A local government is a unit of public administration for the 8 Crime and Misconduct Act. 9 (2) For any complaint of, or information or matter involving, 10 misconduct by a councillor, a reference to a public official in 11 the Crime and Misconduct Act, section 46(2), is taken to be a 12 reference to the department's chief executive. 13 Part 3 The tribunal 14 183 Establishing the tribunal 15 (1) The Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal 16 (the tribunal) is established. 17 (2) As well as the responsibilities mentioned in section 176, the 18 tribunal is responsible for-- 19 (a) establishing the categories of local governments; and 20 (b) deciding which category each local government belongs 21 to; and 22 (c) deciding the remuneration that is payable to the 23 councillors in each of those categories; and 24 (d) any other functions that the Minister directs the tribunal 25 to perform. 26 Page 165

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 3 The tribunal [s 184] 184 Members of tribunal 1 (1) The tribunal is made up of 3 qualified persons who are 2 appointed by the Governor in Council. 3 (2) A person is qualified to be a member only if the person-- 4 (a) has extensive knowledge of, and experience in, 1 or 5 more of the following-- 6 (i) local government; 7 (ii) community affairs; 8 (iii) industrial relations; 9 (iv) investigations; 10 (v) law; 11 (vi) public administration; 12 (vii) public sector ethics; 13 (viii) public finance; or 14 (b) has other knowledge and experience that the Governor 15 in Council considers appropriate. 16 (3) However, a person is not qualified to be a member of the 17 tribunal if the person-- 18 (a) is a councillor of a local government; or 19 (b) is a nominee for election as a councillor; or 20 (c) accepts an appointment as a councillor; or 21 (d) is an employee of a local government; or 22 (e) is a contractor of a local government; or 23 (f) is a consultant engaged by a local government; or 24 (g) is a member of an Australian Parliament; or 25 (h) is a nominee for election as a member of an Australian 26 Parliament; or 27 (i) is a member of a political party; or 28 Page 166

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 3 The tribunal [s 185] (j) has a conviction for an indictable offence that is not an 1 expired conviction; or 2 (k) is an insolvent under administration (within the meaning 3 of the Corporations Act, section 9); or 4 (l) is a type of person prescribed under a regulation. 5 (4) The Governor in Council must appoint 1 of the members to be 6 the chairperson of the tribunal. 7 (5) A member may be appointed for a term of not longer than 4 8 years. 9 (6) However, a member may be reappointed. 10 (7) A person stops being a member if the person-- 11 (a) completes a term of office but is not reappointed; or 12 (b) resigns by signed notice of resignation given to the 13 department's chief executive; or 14 (c) is removed as a member by the Governor in Council for 15 misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity; or 16 (d) is not qualified to be a member under subsection (3). 17 185 Remuneration and appointment conditions of members 18 (1) A member of the tribunal is entitled to be paid the 19 remuneration and allowances decided by the Governor in 20 Council. 21 (2) A member of the tribunal holds office on the other conditions 22 that the Governor in Council decides. 23 (3) If a commissioner under the Industrial Relations Act is 24 appointed as a member, the person is not entitled to any 25 remuneration or allowances in addition to the person's salary 26 or allowances as a commissioner. 27 (4) However, the person is entitled to be paid any expenses 28 reasonably incurred by the person in performing the 29 responsibilities of a member. 30 Page 167

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 4 Regional conduct review panels [s 186] 186 Costs of tribunal to be met by local government 1 The local government must pay the costs of the tribunal in 2 relation to a complaint of misconduct of a councillor, 3 including the remuneration, allowances and expenses paid to 4 members of the tribunal. 5 187 Conflict of interests 6 (1) This section applies if a member of the tribunal has any 7 interest that may conflict with a fair and impartial hearing of a 8 complaint made against an accused councillor. 9 (2) The member must not take part, or take further part, in any 10 consideration of the matter. 11 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 12 (3) As soon as practicable after the member becomes aware that 13 this section applies to the member, the member must inform 14 the department's chief executive. 15 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 16 188 Assistance from departmental staff 17 The department's chief executive must make available to the 18 tribunal the staff assistance that the tribunal needs to 19 effectively perform its responsibilities. 20 Part 4 Regional conduct review 21 panels 22 189 Appointing members of regional conduct review panels 23 (1) A regional conduct review panel is constituted by at least 3 24 members that the department's chief executive chooses from a 25 Page 168

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 4 Regional conduct review panels [s 189] pool of members for the region in which the councillor in 1 question resides. 2 (2) The department's chief executive must appoint a pool of 3 members for a regional conduct review panel for the different 4 regions of the State decided by the department's chief 5 executive. 6 (3) A person is qualified to be a member of the pool of members 7 only if the person-- 8 (a) has extensive knowledge of, and experience in, 1 or 9 more of the following-- 10 (i) local government; 11 (ii) community affairs; 12 (iii) investigations; 13 (iv) law; 14 (v) public administration; 15 (vi) public sector ethics; 16 (vii) public finance; or 17 (b) has the other qualifications and experience that the 18 department's chief executive considers appropriate. 19 (4) However, a person is not qualified to be a member of the pool 20 of members if the person-- 21 (a) is a councillor of a local government; or 22 (b) is a nominee for election as a councillor; or 23 (c) accepts an appointment as a councillor; or 24 (d) is an employee of a local government; or 25 (e) is a contractor of a local government; or 26 (f) is a consultant engaged by a local government; or 27 (g) is a member of an Australian Parliament; or 28 (h) is a nominee for election as a member of an Australian 29 Parliament; or 30 Page 169

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 4 Regional conduct review panels [s 190] (i) is a member of a political party; or 1 (j) has a conviction for an indictable offence that is not an 2 expired conviction; or 3 (k) is an insolvent under administration (within the meaning 4 of the Corporations Act, section 9); or 5 (l) is a type of person prescribed under a regulation. 6 (5) A member may be appointed for a term of not longer than 4 7 years. 8 (6) However, a member may be reappointed. 9 (7) A person stops being a member if the person-- 10 (a) completes a term of office but is not reappointed; or 11 (b) resigns by signed notice of resignation given to the 12 department's chief executive; or 13 (c) is removed as a member by the department's chief 14 executive for misbehaviour or physical or mental 15 incapacity; or 16 (d) is not qualified to be a member under subsection (4). 17 190 Remuneration and appointment conditions of members 18 (1) A member of a regional conduct review panel is entitled to be 19 paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the 20 department's chief executive. 21 (2) A member of a regional conduct review panel holds office on 22 the other conditions that the department's chief executive 23 decides. 24 191 Costs of regional conduct review panels to be met by 25 local government 26 The local government must pay the costs of a regional conduct 27 review panel in relation to a complaint of misconduct of a 28 councillor, including the remuneration, allowances and 29 Page 170

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 5 Local government employees [s 192] expenses paid to members of the regional conduct review 1 panel. 2 192 Conflict of interests 3 (1) This section applies if a member of a regional conduct review 4 panel has any interest that may conflict with a fair and 5 impartial hearing of a complaint made against an accused 6 councillor. 7 (2) The member must not take part, or take further part, in any 8 consideration of the matter. 9 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 10 (3) As soon as practicable after the member becomes aware that 11 this section applies to the member, the member must inform 12 the department's chief executive. 13 Maximum penalty for subsection (3)--35 penalty units. 14 193 Assistance from departmental staff 15 The department's chief executive must make available to the 16 regional conduct review panel the staff assistance that the 17 regional conduct review panel needs to effectively perform its 18 responsibilities. 19 Part 5 Local government employees 20 Division 1 Chief executive officer 21 194 Appointing a chief executive officer 22 (1) A local government must appoint a qualified person to be its 23 chief executive officer. 24 Page 171

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 5 Local government employees [s 195] (2) A person is qualified to be the chief executive officer if the 1 person has the ability, experience, knowledge and skills that 2 the local government considers appropriate, having regard to 3 the responsibilities of a chief executive officer. 4 (3) A person who is appointed as the chief executive officer must 5 enter into a written contract of employment with the local 6 government. 7 (4) The contract of employment must provide for-- 8 (a) the chief executive officer to meet performance 9 standards set by the local government; and 10 (b) the chief executive officers's conditions of employment 11 (including remuneration). 12 195 Appointing an acting chief executive officer 13 A local government may appoint a qualified person to act as 14 the chief executive officer during-- 15 (a) any vacancy, or all vacancies, in the position; or 16 (b) any period, or all periods, when the chief executive 17 officer is absent from duty or can not, for another 18 reason, perform the chief executive officer's 19 responsibilities. 20 Division 2 Other local government employees 21 196 Appointing other local government employees 22 (1) A local government must, by resolution, adopt an 23 organisational structure that is appropriate to the performance 24 of the local government's responsibilities. 25 (2) The local government may employ local government 26 employees for the performance of the local government's 27 responsibilities. 28 Page 172

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 5 Local government employees [s 197] (3) The chief executive officer must appoint the local government 1 employees. 2 (4) However, the chief executive officer must consult with the 3 councillors before appointing a senior contract employee. 4 (5) A senior contract employee is a local government employee 5 who is employed-- 6 (a) on a contractual basis; and 7 (b) in a position that reports directly to the chief executive 8 officer. 9 (6) A local government employee is employed on-- 10 (a) the conditions contained in any relevant industrial 11 instrument; and 12 (b) any other conditions that the local government decides. 13 197 Disciplinary action against local government employees 14 (1) The chief executive officer is the only person who may take 15 disciplinary action against a local government employee. 16 (2) If the chief executive officer takes disciplinary action against a 17 local government employee, the local government employee 18 may appeal against the decision to the entity prescribed under 19 a regulation. 20 Division 3 Common provisions 21 198 Concurrent employment of local government employees 22 (1) This section applies to all local government employees, 23 including the chief executive officer. 24 (2) A local government employee may be employed by more than 25 1 local government at the same time, if each of the local 26 governments agree. 27 Page 173

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 5 Local government employees [s 199] 199 Improper conduct by local government employees 1 (1) This section applies to all local government employees, 2 including the chief executive officer. 3 (2) A local government employee includes-- 4 (a) an employee of a corporate entity; and 5 (b) a contractor of the local government; and 6 (c) a type of person prescribed under a regulation. 7 (3) A local government employee must not ask for, or accept, a 8 fee or other benefit for doing something as a local government 9 employee. 10 Maximum penalty-- 11 (a) for an employee of a corporate entity--500 penalty units 12 or 5 years imprisonment; or 13 (b) for any other local government employee--100 penalty 14 units or 2 years imprisonment. 15 (4) However, subsection (3) does not apply to-- 16 (a) remuneration paid by the local government; or 17 (b) a benefit that has only a nominal value. 18 (5) A local government employee must not unlawfully destroy or 19 damage property of the local government. 20 Maximum penalty--100 penalty units or 2 years 21 imprisonment. 22 200 Improper use of information by local government 23 employees 24 (1) This section applies to all local government employees, 25 including the chief executive officer. 26 (2) A local government employee includes-- 27 (a) an employee of a corporate entity; and 28 (b) a contractor of the local government; and 29 Page 174

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 5 Local government employees [s 200] (c) a type of person prescribed under a regulation. 1 (3) A person who is, or has been, a local government employee 2 must not make improper use of information acquired as a 3 local government employee-- 4 (a) to gain (directly or indirectly) an advantage for the 5 person or someone else; or 6 (b) to cause detriment to the local government. 7 Maximum penalty-- 8 (a) for an employee of a corporate entity--500 penalty units 9 or 5 years imprisonment; or 10 (b) for any other local government employee--100 penalty 11 units or 2 years imprisonment. 12 (4) A local government includes a corporate entity of the local 13 government. 14 (5) If an employee of a corporate entity contravenes subsection 15 (3), the corporate entity may recover from the employee, as a 16 debt due to the corporate entity-- 17 (a) if anyone made a profit because of the 18 contravention--an amount equal to the profit; and 19 (b) if the corporate entity suffered loss or damage because 20 of the contravention--an amount equal to the loss or 21 damage. 22 (6) The amount may be recovered from the employee whether or 23 not the employee has been convicted of an offence in relation 24 to the contravention. 25 (7) Subsection (5) applies in addition to, and does not limit, the 26 Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002. 27 (8) A person who is, or has been, a local government employee 28 must not release information that the person knows, or should 29 reasonably know, is information that-- 30 (a) is confidential to the local government; and 31 (b) the local government wishes to keep confidential. 32 Page 175

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 5 Local government employees [s 201] Maximum penalty-- 1 (a) for an employee of a corporate entity--500 penalty units 2 or 5 years imprisonment; or 3 (b) for any other local government employee--100 penalty 4 units or 2 years imprisonment. 5 201 Annual report must detail remuneration 6 (1) The annual report of a local government must state-- 7 (a) the total remuneration packages that are payable (in the 8 year to which the annual report relates) to senior 9 contract employees; and 10 (b) the number of senior contract employees who are being 11 paid each of the total remuneration packages. 12 (2) A senior contract employee is-- 13 (a) the chief executive officer; or 14 (b) any other local government employee who is 15 employed-- 16 (i) on a contractual basis; and 17 (ii) in a position that reports directly to the chief 18 executive officer. 19 Examples of the detail for the annual report-- 20 · 1 senior contract employee with a total remuneration package in the 21 range of $100000-$119000 22 · 2 senior contract employees with a total remuneration package in 23 the range of $120000-$149000 24 · 1 senior contract employee with a total remuneration package in the 25 range of $150000-$175000 26 Page 176

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 6 Authorised persons [s 202] Part 6 Authorised persons 1 202 Appointing authorised persons 2 (1) The chief executive officer may appoint a qualified person to 3 be an authorised person. 4 (2) A person is qualified to be an authorised person if the 5 person-- 6 (a) has the competencies-- 7 (i) that the chief executive officer considers are 8 necessary to perform the responsibilities that are 9 required to be performed by the authorised person; 10 or 11 (ii) prescribed under a regulation; and 12 (b) is either-- 13 (i) an employee of the local government; or 14 (ii) another type of person prescribed under a 15 regulation. 16 (3) The appointment of an authorised person must state the 17 provisions of this Act for which the authorised person is 18 appointed. 19 (4) An authorised person's appointment is subject to the 20 conditions stated in-- 21 (a) the document that appoints the authorised person; or 22 (b) a written notice given to the authorised person by the 23 chief executive officer; or 24 (c) a regulation. 25 203 End of appointment of authorised persons 26 (1) A person stops being an authorised person-- 27 Page 177

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 6 Authorised persons [s 204] (a) at the end of the term of appointment stated in the 1 document that appointed the authorised person; or 2 (b) if the authorised person gives the local government a 3 signed notice of resignation; or 4 (c) if it is a condition of the authorised person's 5 appointment that the authorised person hold another 6 position at the same time--if the authorised person 7 stops holding the other position. 8 (2) If it is a condition of the authorised person's appointment that 9 the authorised person hold another position at the same time, a 10 notice of resignation acts as a notice of resignation for both 11 positions. 12 (3) This section does not limit the ways in which an authorised 13 person's appointment ends. 14 204 Identity card for authorised persons 15 (1) The chief executive officer must give each authorised person 16 an identity card. 17 (2) This section does not stop a single identity card being issued 18 to a person for this Act and for another purpose. 19 (3) A person who stops being an authorised person must return 20 the person's identity card to the chief executive officer, within 21 21 days after stopping being an authorised person, unless the 22 person has a reasonable excuse. 23 Maximum penalty for subsection (3)--10 penalty units. 24 Page 178

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 7 Interim management [s 205] Part 7 Interim management 1 205 Interim management committee 2 (1) When an interim administrator is appointed for a local 3 government, the Minister may appoint a committee of persons 4 to help the interim administrator to perform the interim 5 administrator's responsibilities. 6 (2) A person may be appointed as a member of a committee for a 7 limited time or indefinitely. 8 (3) The interim administrator is chairperson of the committee and 9 must preside at every meeting of the committee at which the 10 interim administrator is present. 11 (4) If, because of absence or incapacity, the interim administrator 12 can not perform the responsibilities of chairperson of the 13 committee, the other members of the committee must appoint 14 another member to act as chairperson. 15 206 Conditions of appointment as interim administrator or 16 member of committee 17 (1) An interim administrator or a member of a committee is 18 entitled to the fees, allowances and expenses decided by the 19 Governor in Council. 20 (2) An officer of the public service who is appointed as an interim 21 administrator, or as a member of a committee, may hold the 22 appointment as well as the public service office. 23 207 End of appointment of interim management 24 A person stops being an interim administrator, or a member of 25 an interim management committee-- 26 (a) if the person resigns by signed notice of resignation 27 given to the department's chief executive; or 28 Page 179

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 8 The superannuation board [s 208] (b) if the Governor in Council, for any reason, cancels the 1 person's appointment; or 2 (c) at the conclusion of a fresh election of the councillors of 3 the local government. 4 Part 8 The superannuation board 5 208 Superannuation board 6 (1) The Queensland Local Government Superannuation Board 7 under the 1993 Act (the super board) continues in existence 8 under this Act. 9 (2) The super board-- 10 (a) is a body corporate; and 11 (b) may sue and be sued in its corporate name. 12 209 Board's responsibilities 13 (1) The super board's primary responsibility is to act as the 14 trustee of the LG super scheme. 15 (2) The super board, with the Governor in Council's approval, has 16 the following extra responsibilities-- 17 (a) to manage another superannuation scheme for the 18 scheme's trustee; 19 (b) to act as trustee of a related persons scheme; 20 (c) to establish, and act as trustee of, a related persons 21 scheme. 22 (3) A related persons scheme is a scheme providing 23 superannuation, retirement or other similar benefits for 24 persons (other than eligible members) who-- 25 Page 180

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 6 Administration Part 8 The superannuation board [s 210] (a) work for, or provide a service to, a local government; 1 and 2 (b) are prescribed under a regulation as a related person. 3 (4) The super board may delegate its powers to an employee of 4 the super board. 5 210 Board of directors 6 (1) The super board has a board of directors. 7 (2) The board of directors is responsible for how the super board 8 performs its responsibilities. 9 (3) The board of directors must ensure that the super board 10 performs its responsibilities in a proper, effective and efficient 11 way. 12 (4) The board of directors is made up of-- 13 (a) 3 directors appointed on the nomination of the Local 14 Government Association of Queensland Inc. or its 15 successor in law; and 16 (b) 3 directors appointed on the nomination of members of 17 the LG super scheme; and 18 (c) if the trust deed provides for the appointment of an 19 additional independent director and an independent 20 director is appointed--the appointed independent 21 director. 22 (5) The directors must be appointed under the rules established to 23 comply with the Commonwealth Super Act. 24 (6) A regulation may change the number of directors that are to 25 be appointed under subsection (4)(a) and (b). 26 211 Seal of the super board 27 (1) The super board has a seal. 28 (2) Judicial notice must be taken of the seal on a document. 29 Page 181

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 1 Way to hold a hearing [s 212] (3) A document marked with the seal must be presumed to have 1 been properly sealed, unless the contrary is proved. 2 Chapter 7 Other provisions 3 Part 1 Way to hold a hearing 4 212 What this part is about 5 (1) This part sets out the way to hold a hearing under this Act. 6 (2) The person or other entity that is conducting the hearing is 7 called the investigator in this part. 8 213 Procedures at hearing 9 (1) When conducting a hearing, the investigator must-- 10 (a) observe natural justice; but 11 (b) act as quickly and informally as is consistent with a fair 12 and proper consideration of the issues raised in the 13 hearing. 14 (2) For example, the investigator may-- 15 (a) act in the absence of a person who has been given 16 reasonable notice of the hearing; or 17 (b) receive evidence by statutory declaration; or 18 (c) refuse to allow a person to be represented by a legal 19 practitioner; or 20 (d) disregard the rules of evidence; or 21 (e) disregard any defect, error, omission or insufficiency in 22 a document; or 23 (f) allow a document to be amended; or 24 Page 182

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 1 Way to hold a hearing [s 214] (g) adjourn a hearing. 1 (3) However, the investigator must comply with any procedural 2 rules prescribed under a regulation. 3 (4) A hearing is not affected by a change of the members of an 4 entity that is the investigator. 5 214 Witnesses at hearings 6 (1) The investigator may require a person, by giving them a 7 written notice, to attend a hearing as a witness in order to-- 8 (a) give evidence; or 9 (b) produce specified documents. 10 (2) The person must-- 11 (a) attend at the time and place specified in the notice; and 12 (b) continue to attend until excused by the investigator; and 13 (c) take an oath or make an affirmation if required by the 14 investigator; and 15 (d) answer a question that the person is required to answer 16 by the investigator, unless the person has a reasonable 17 excuse; and 18 (e) produce a document that the person is required to 19 produce by the investigator, unless the person has a 20 reasonable excuse. 21 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 22 (3) A person has a reasonable excuse for failing to answer a 23 question or produce a document if answering the question or 24 producing the document might tend to incriminate the person. 25 (4) A person who attends as a witness is entitled to-- 26 (a) the witness fees that are prescribed under a regulation; 27 or 28 (b) if no witness fees are prescribed, the reasonable witness 29 fees decided by the investigator. 30 Page 183

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 2 Superannuation [s 215] 215 Contempt at hearing 1 A person must not-- 2 (a) insult the investigator in a hearing; or 3 (b) deliberately interrupt a hearing; or 4 (c) take part in a disturbance in or near a place where the 5 investigator is conducting a hearing; or 6 (d) do anything that would be a contempt of court if the 7 investigator were a court. 8 Maximum penalty--50 penalty units. 9 Part 2 Superannuation 10 216 What this part is about 11 (1) This part is about superannuation for certain persons who are 12 connected to a local government. 13 (2) In this part, a reference to a local government includes a local 14 government entity. 15 (3) A local government entity is an entity, prescribed under a 16 regulation, that-- 17 (a) under an Act, exercises a power similar to a power that 18 may be exercised by a local government in performing 19 the local government's responsibilities; or 20 (b) under an Act, exclusively performs a responsibility in 21 relation to the system of local government; or 22 (c) exclusively exercises, for a local government, a power 23 that may be exercised by the local government in 24 performing the local government's responsibilities; or 25 (d) helps a local government in the performance of the local 26 government's responsibilities. 27 Page 184

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 2 Superannuation [s 217] 217 LG super scheme 1 (1) The Local Government Superannuation Scheme under the 2 1993 Act (the LG super scheme) continues in existence under 3 this Act. 4 (2) The super board must make a trust deed that contains-- 5 (a) the rules that govern the operation of the LG super 6 scheme; and 7 (b) the matters that, under the Commonwealth Super Act, 8 are required to be contained in the governing rules of 9 regulated superannuation funds within the meaning of 10 that Act. 11 218 Members of LG super scheme 12 (1) An employee of a local government (other than a local 13 government entity) is automatically a member of the LG super 14 scheme (an automatic member) while their employment 15 continues. 16 (2) The following persons are eligible to become a member of the 17 LG super scheme (eligible members)-- 18 (a) a councillor of a local government; 19 (b) a contractor of a local government; 20 (c) an employee of a local government entity; 21 (d) a member of the governing body of a local government 22 entity; 23 (e) a person for whom a local government is required under 24 the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 25 1992 (Cwlth) to contribute to a superannuation scheme; 26 (f) a person for whom the super board is required under the 27 Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 28 (Cwlth) to contribute to a superannuation scheme; 29 (g) a person who is entitled, or conditionally entitled, to 30 payment of an amount from the LG super scheme, in 31 Page 185

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 2 Superannuation [s 219] accordance with an agreement or court order made 1 under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cwlth); 2 (h) another type of person prescribed under a regulation; 3 (i) a person-- 4 (i) who was, but is no longer, a member of the LG 5 super scheme because the person was a type of 6 person mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f) or (h); 7 and 8 (ii) whose benefit under the LG super scheme has not 9 been fully paid out, withdrawn or transferred from 10 the LG super scheme; 11 (j) a person-- 12 (i) who was, but is no longer an automatic member; 13 and 14 (ii) whose benefit under the LG super scheme has not 15 been fully paid out, withdrawn or transferred from 16 the LG super scheme; 17 (k) the spouse of an automatic member; 18 (l) the spouse of a person mentioned in paragraphs (a) to 19 (h). 20 (3) If a person mentioned in subsection (2)(f) becomes a member 21 of the LG super scheme, this part applies to the super board-- 22 (a) with all necessary changes; and 23 (b) with any changes prescribed under a regulation. 24 219 Compulsory super contributions 25 (1) If the Commonwealth Super Act requires a local government 26 to make superannuation contributions for a permanent 27 employee, the superannuation contributions must be paid into 28 the LG super scheme. 29 (2) An employee of a local government entity is a permanent 30 employee if the local government entity declares the 31 Page 186

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 2 Superannuation [s 219] employee to be a permanent employee by a written notice 1 given to the super board. 2 (3) An employee of a local government (other than a local 3 government entity) is a permanent employee if the employee 4 has been continuously employed by the local government, or 5 by the local government and other local governments 6 consecutively, for-- 7 (a) at least 1 year; or 8 (b) less than 1 year, but the employee has given the local 9 government a membership notice. 10 (4) A membership notice is a written notice given to the local 11 government and board by the employee electing to become a 12 permanent employee for this part. 13 (5) An employee is not continuously employed if the super board 14 is satisfied that-- 15 (a) the employee's employment is broken by at least 60 16 consecutive days when the employee was not employed 17 by a local government, and the employee is not in a 18 position to accept an offer of employment by a local 19 government; or 20 (b) the employee-- 21 (i) is no longer employed by a local government; and 22 (ii) has no intention of taking up employment with a 23 local government. 24 (6) An employee is not a permanent employee if-- 25 (a) the employee is employed by a local government only to 26 carry out work on a particular job or project; and 27 (b) the employee's employment is dependent on the time 28 taken to carry out the job or project. 29 (7) Also, an employee is not a permanent employee if the 30 employee is employed by a local government under a 31 federally funded community development project for 32 Aborigines or Torres Strait Islanders. 33 Page 187

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 2 Superannuation [s 220] 220 Amount of compulsory contributions 1 (1) The yearly contributions that must be paid into the LG super 2 scheme must equal-- 3 (a) if the employee is a special permanent employee--16% 4 of the employee's salary under the trust deed; or 5 (b) if the employee is a standard permanent 6 employee--18% of the employee's salary under the 7 trust deed. 8 (2) A special permanent employee is a permanent employee 9 who, immediately before 1 July 1995, was required to make 10 superannuation contributions under the repealed Local 11 Government Superannuation Act 1985 at the rate of 5% of the 12 employee's salary under the trust deed. 13 (3) A standard permanent employee is a permanent employee 14 who-- 15 (a) immediately before 1 July 1995, was required to make 16 superannuation contributions under the repealed Local 17 Government Superannuation Act 1985 at the rate of 6% 18 of the employee's salary under the trust deed; or 19 (b) immediately before the repeal of the 1993 Act, was a 20 permanent employee of a community government under 21 the repealed Local Government (Community 22 Government Areas) Act 2004; or 23 (c) started employment on or after 1 July 1995. 24 (4) The local government need not pay an amount as a 25 contribution to the extent that the amount can not, under the 26 Commonwealth Super Act, be accepted by a regulated 27 superannuation fund under that Act. 28 Note-- 29 See the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 30 (Cwlth), regulation 7.04. 31 (5) The contributions under subsection (1) are taken to include 32 any contributions that are required to be paid under an 33 industrial instrument. 34 Page 188

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 2 Superannuation [s 221] (6) The local government must pay the yearly contributions 1 within the time stated in the trust deed. 2 (7) The permanent employee must pay to the local government 3 yearly contributions calculated at the following rate-- 4 (a) if the employee is a special permanent employee--5% 5 of the employee's salary under the trust deed; 6 (b) if the employee is a standard permanent employee--6% 7 of the employee's salary under the trust deed. 8 (8) However, subsection (7) does not apply if, under the 9 employee's remuneration agreement with the local 10 government, a contribution equivalent to the contribution 11 mentioned in subsection (7) is made by the local government 12 in addition to any contribution that the local government is 13 required to make under this Act. 14 (9) The local government may (despite the provisions of any 15 other Act) deduct all or part of an employee's contributions 16 from-- 17 (a) the employee's salary; or 18 (b) any money that the employee owes to the local 19 government. 20 221 Extra super contributions 21 (1) Subject to section 226, a member, or a local government for a 22 member, may make extra contributions to the LG super 23 scheme to obtain extra benefits under the trust deed. 24 (2) However, the member or local government can not make an 25 extra contribution to the extent that the extra contribution can 26 not, under the Commonwealth Super Act, be accepted by a 27 regulated superannuation fund under that Act. 28 222 Adjusting super contributions when salary changed 29 (1) The super board, by written notice, may require a local 30 government to give the super board details of the salary of 31 Page 189

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 2 Superannuation [s 223] each of the local government's permanent employees as at a 1 stated day during the year after any change to the salary of any 2 of the employees. 3 (2) The local government must comply with the notice. 4 (3) If-- 5 (a) a permanent employee's salary has decreased; and 6 (b) the employee gives the local government written notice 7 that the employee wants to pay contributions as if the 8 employee's salary had not decreased; 9 the local government must calculate the yearly contributions 10 payable for the employee based on the employee's salary 11 before it was decreased. 12 (4) The employee must give the notice within the time stated in 13 the trust deed. 14 223 Super contributions for non-contributory members 15 (1) This section applies if-- 16 (a) a local government is required, under an industrial 17 instrument, to pay superannuation contributions for a 18 non-contributory member; or 19 (b) a local government (other than a local government 20 entity) is required, under an Act of the State or 21 Commonwealth, to pay superannuation contributions 22 for a non-contributory member. 23 (2) A non-contributory member is a member of the LG super 24 scheme who is not required to make contributions for 25 membership. 26 (3) The local government must pay the contributions to the LG 27 super scheme. 28 Page 190

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 2 Superannuation [s 224] 224 Interest is payable on unpaid super contributions 1 (1) This section applies if a local government does not pay a 2 contribution that is payable to the LG super scheme within the 3 time stated in the trust deed. 4 (2) The local government must pay interest on the amount of the 5 contribution to the LG super scheme. 6 (3) However, the super board may waive the payment of interest. 7 (4) Any interest that is payable-- 8 (a) is to be paid at the rate prescribed under a regulation; 9 and 10 (b) is to be calculated on a daily basis. 11 225 Local governments must not establish employee 12 superannuation schemes 13 A local government (other than a local government entity) 14 must not establish a superannuation scheme for its employees. 15 226 Super scheme for councillors 16 (1) A local government may-- 17 (a) establish and amend a superannuation scheme for its 18 councillors; or 19 (b) take part in a superannuation scheme for its councillors. 20 (2) If it does so, the local government may pay an amount from 21 its operating fund to the superannuation scheme as a 22 contribution for its councillors. 23 (3) However, the local government must not make contributions 24 to the superannuation scheme-- 25 (a) of more than the proportion of a salary that is payable by 26 the local government for its standard permanent 27 employees under the LG super scheme; or 28 (b) for a person who is no longer a councillor. 29 Page 191

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 3 Allocating Commonwealth funding to local governments [s 227] (4) A councillor of the local government may enter into an 1 arrangement with the local government under which-- 2 (a) the councillor agrees to forgo a percentage or amount of 3 the remuneration that the councillor is entitled to as a 4 councillor; and 5 (b) the local government agrees to contribute the percentage 6 or amount to the superannuation scheme for the 7 councillor. 8 (5) A superannuation scheme is a superannuation scheme that 9 complies with the Commonwealth Super Act. 10 227 Super schemes to be audited by auditor-general 11 (1) This section applies if the super board acts as the trustee of a 12 superannuation scheme. 13 (2) The audit of the superannuation scheme that is required under 14 the Commonwealth Super Act must be carried out by the 15 auditor-general. 16 Part 3 Allocating Commonwealth 17 funding to local governments 18 Division 1 Allocating Commonwealth funding 19 228 Allocating Commonwealth funding 20 (1) The grants commission is a body that is created under this 21 Act to perform the responsibilities of a Local Government 22 Grants Commission under the Local Government (Financial 23 Assistance) Act. 24 (2) The grants commission and the Minister must comply with 25 the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act. 26 Page 192

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 3 Allocating Commonwealth funding to local governments [s 229] (3) The public hearings that the grants commission is required to 1 hold under the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 2 must be held in the way set out in part 1. 3 (4) If-- 4 (a) the grants commission requires a local governing body 5 to provide information to help the grants commission 6 make a decision about funding under the Local 7 Government (Financial Assistance) Act; and 8 (b) the local governing body does not make a submission by 9 the date reasonably specified by the grants commission; 10 the grants commission can recommend that no funding be 11 allocated to the local governing body. 12 (5) A local governing body is a local governing body within the 13 meaning of the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act. 14 (6) The Minister must not distribute to a local government an 15 amount equal to notional GST if the local government has not 16 paid the notional GST. 17 (7) Notional GST is an amount that a local government may pay 18 under the GST and Related Matters Act 2000, section 5. 19 (8) The Minister must table the following in the Legislative 20 Assembly-- 21 (a) the grants commission's recommendations about the 22 allocation of funding; 23 (b) a breakdown of how the funding was allocated between 24 local governments. 25 229 Decisions under this division are not subject to appeal 26 A decision of the grants commission or the Minister under this 27 division is not subject to appeal. 28 Note-- 29 See section 244 (Decisions not subject to appeal) for more information. 30 Page 193

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 3 Allocating Commonwealth funding to local governments [s 230] Division 2 The grants commission 1 230 Grants commission is established 2 (1) The Local Government Grants Commission (the grants 3 commission) is established. 4 (2) The grants commission is made up of the following 5 members-- 6 (a) a chairperson; 7 (b) a deputy chairperson; 8 (c) 4 other members. 9 231 Members of grants commission 10 (1) The Governor in Council must appoint the members of the 11 grants commission. 12 (2) The Governor in Council must ensure-- 13 (a) the person who is appointed as the deputy chairperson is 14 an officer of the department; and 15 (b) the other members have extensive knowledge of, and 16 experience in, local government. 17 (3) A member may be appointed for a term of not longer than 3 18 years. 19 (4) A member holds office on the conditions (including about 20 fees and allowances, for example) that the Governor in 21 Council decides. 22 (5) The Governor in Council may pay members different rates. 23 (6) A person may be a member of the grants commission at the 24 same time as the person holds an office under another Act, 25 even though the other Act-- 26 (a) requires the holder of an office to devote all of the 27 person's time to the duties of the office; or 28 Page 194

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 3 Allocating Commonwealth funding to local governments [s 232] (b) prohibits the holder of an office from engaging in 1 employment outside the duties of the office. 2 (7) A person stops being a member of the grants commission if-- 3 (a) the member resigns by signed notice of resignation 4 given to the Governor in Council; or 5 (b) the member is convicted of an indictable offence; or 6 (c) if the member is the deputy chairperson--the member 7 stops being an officer of the department; or 8 (d) the Governor in Council cancels the member's 9 appointment. 10 (8) The Governor in Council may cancel a member's 11 appointment if the member-- 12 (a) becomes incapable of performing duties because of 13 physical or mental incapacity; or 14 (b) engages in misbehaviour; or 15 (c) is incompetent; or 16 (d) uses the office for party political purposes; or 17 (e) does anything else that the Governor in Council 18 considers is a reasonable and sufficient justification for 19 removal from office. 20 (9) The Governor in Council may appoint a person to act for a 21 member of the grants commission if the member is-- 22 (a) absent; or 23 (b) unable to carry out the member's responsibilities 24 (including because of illness, for example). 25 232 Conflict of interests 26 (1) This section applies if-- 27 (a) a member of the grants commission has a direct or 28 indirect financial interest in a matter being considered, 29 Page 195

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 233] or about to be considered, by the grants commission; 1 and 2 (b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance 3 of the member's responsibilities for the matter. 4 (2) The person must not take part, or take further part, in any 5 consideration of the matter. 6 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 7 (3) As soon as practicable after the member becomes aware that 8 this section applies to the member, the member must inform 9 the department's chief executive. 10 Maximum penalty--35 penalty units. 11 233 Staff assistance to the grants commission 12 The department's chief executive must make available to the 13 grants commission the staff assistance that the grants 14 commission needs to effectively perform its responsibilities. 15 Part 4 Legal provisions 16 234 False or misleading information 17 (1) A person commits an offence if the person gives information 18 for this Act (either orally or in a document), that the person 19 knows is false or misleading in a material particular, to any of 20 the following persons-- 21 (a) the Minister; 22 (b) the department's chief executive; 23 (c) the chief executive officer; 24 (d) an authorised person; 25 (e) the change commission; 26 Page 196

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 235] (f) a regional conduct review panel; 1 (g) the tribunal; 2 (h) the grants commission. 3 Maximum penalty--100 penalty units. 4 (2) However, the person does not commit an offence in relation to 5 information in a document if, when the person gives the 6 document to the other person-- 7 (a) the person tells the other person that the document is 8 false or misleading, and in what respect the document is 9 false or misleading; and 10 (b) if the person has, or can reasonably obtain, the correct 11 information--the person gives the other person the 12 correct information. 13 235 Administrators who act honestly and without negligence 14 are protected from liability 15 (1) A constituter of a local government is not civilly liable for an 16 act done, or omission made, honestly and without negligence 17 by the local government or the constituter, as a constituter of 18 the local government-- 19 (a) in the administration of this Act; or 20 (b) in the exercise, or intended exercise, of any of the local 21 government's powers under this Act. 22 (2) A constituter of a local government is-- 23 (a) the head of the local government, when constituting the 24 local government; or 25 (b) a councillor, when constituting the local government. 26 (3) A State administrator or local government administrator is not 27 civilly liable for an act done under this Act, or omission made 28 under this Act, honestly and without negligence. 29 (4) A State administrator is-- 30 Page 197

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 236] (a) the Minister; or 1 (b) the department's chief executive; or 2 (c) an authorised person; or 3 (d) a member of the change commission; or 4 (e) a member of the grants commission; or 5 (f) a member of a regional conduct review panel; or 6 (g) a member of the tribunal; or 7 (h) a person acting under the direction of a person 8 mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c); or 9 (i) an advisor or financial controller. 10 (5) An local government administrator is-- 11 (a) a councillor, when acting other than in the capacity of a 12 constituter of a local government; or 13 (b) the chief executive officer, when acting other than in the 14 capacity of a constituter of a local government; or 15 (c) another local government employee. 16 (6) If subsection (3) prevents civil liability attaching to a State 17 administrator, liability attaches instead to the State. 18 (7) If subsection (3) prevents civil liability attaching to a local 19 government administrator, liability attaches instead to the 20 local government. 21 (8) The protection given under this section is in addition to any 22 other protection given under another law or Act (including the 23 Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994, for example). 24 236 Who is authorised to sign local government documents 25 (1) The following persons may sign a document on behalf of a 26 local government-- 27 (a) the head of the local government; 28 (b) a delegate of the local government; 29 Page 198

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 237] (c) an authorised officer of the local government. 1 Note-- 2 See section 257 for the local government's power to delegate. 3 (2) An authorised officer is a councillor or local government 4 employee who is authorised by the head of the local 5 government, in writing, to sign documents. 6 237 Name in proceedings by or against a local government 7 (1) Any proceedings by a local government must be started in the 8 name of the local government. 9 (2) Any proceedings against a local government must be started 10 against the local government in its name. 11 238 Service of documents on local governments 12 A document is properly served on a local government if it is 13 given to the chief executive officer in a way that is authorised 14 by law. 15 239 Substituted service 16 (1) If an owner of rateable land is known to be absent from the 17 State, a local government may serve a document on the owner 18 by serving the document on the owner's agent in the State. 19 (2) If-- 20 (a) a local government must serve a document on a person 21 who owns or occupies a property; but 22 (b) the local government does not know, or is uncertain 23 about, the person's current address; 24 the local government may serve the document by publishing a 25 notice that contains a copy of the document in a newspaper 26 that is circulating generally throughout the State, in the 27 gazette and on the local government's website. 28 (3) The notice must be addressed to-- 29 Page 199

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 240] (a) if the local government knows the person's name--the 1 person by name; or 2 (b) if the local government does not know the person's 3 name--the `owner' or `occupier' at the property's 4 address. 5 (4) A provision of a Local Government Act, that requires a 6 document to contain a statement of a relevant provision of 7 law, is taken to be complied with if the document states that 8 particulars of the relevant provision may be obtained, free of 9 charge, on application to the local government. 10 240 Acting for a local government in legal proceedings 11 (1) In any proceedings, the chief executive officer, or another 12 employee authorised in writing by the local government-- 13 (a) may give instructions and act as the authorised agent for 14 the local government; and 15 (b) may sign all documents for the local government. 16 (2) A local government must pay the costs incurred by the chief 17 executive officer or other employee in any proceedings. 18 (3) If the Attorney-General could take proceedings on behalf of a 19 local government to ensure compliance with a Local 20 Government Act, the local government may take the 21 proceeding in its own name. 22 241 Attempt to commit offence 23 A person who attempts to commit an offence against this Act 24 commits an offence and, on conviction, is liable to the same 25 penalties as if the person had committed the offence. 26 242 Types of offences under this Act 27 (1) An offence against this Act that has a penalty of more than 2 28 years imprisonment, is an indictable offence that is a 29 misdemeanour. 30 Page 200

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 242] (2) Any other offence against this Act is a summary offence. 1 (3) A proceeding for an indictable offence may be taken, at the 2 prosecution's election-- 3 (a) by way of summary proceedings under the Justices Act 4 1886; or 5 (b) on indictment. 6 (4) A magistrate must not hear an indictable offence summarily 7 if-- 8 (a) at the start of the hearing, the defendant asks that the 9 charge be prosecuted on indictment; or 10 (b) the magistrate considers that the charge should be 11 prosecuted on indictment. 12 (5) If subsection (4) applies-- 13 (a) the magistrate must proceed by way of an examination 14 of witnesses for an indictable offence; and 15 (b) a plea of the person charged at the start of the 16 proceeding must be disregarded; and 17 (c) evidence brought in the proceeding before the 18 magistrate decided to act under subsection (4) is taken to 19 be evidence in the proceeding for the committal of the 20 person for trial or sentence; and 21 (d) before committing the person for trial or sentence, the 22 magistrate must make a statement to the person as 23 required by the Justices Act 1886, section 104(2)(b). 24 (6) The maximum penalty that may be summarily imposed for an 25 indictable offence is 100 penalty units or 1 year's 26 imprisonment. 27 (7) A proceeding must be before a magistrate if it is a 28 proceeding-- 29 (a) for the summary conviction of a person on a charge for 30 an indictable offence; or 31 Page 201

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 243] (b) for an examination of witnesses for a charge for an 1 indictable offence. 2 (8) However, if a proceeding for an indictable offence is brought 3 before a justice who is not a magistrate, jurisdiction is limited 4 to taking or making a procedural action or order within the 5 meaning of the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for 6 Declarations Act 1991. 7 243 Time to start proceedings in a summary way 8 Proceedings for an offence against this Act that are to be 9 heard in a summary way under the Justices Act 1886 must be 10 started-- 11 (a) within 1 year after the offence was committed; or 12 (b) within 6 months after the offence comes to the 13 complainant's knowledge, but within 2 years after the 14 offence was committed. 15 244 Decisions not subject to appeal 16 (1) If a provision of this Act declares a decision to be not subject 17 to appeal, that means the decision-- 18 (a) can not be appealed against, challenged, reviewed, 19 quashed, set aside, or called into question in any way 20 (including under the Judicial Review Act, for example); 21 and 22 (b) is not subject to any writ or order of a court on any 23 ground. 24 Examples-- 25 1 A person may not bring any proceedings for an injunction to stop 26 conduct that is authorised by the decision. 27 2 A person may not bring any proceedings for a declaration about the 28 validity of conduct that is authorised by the decision. 29 (2) A decision includes-- 30 (a) conduct related to making the decision; and 31 Page 202

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 245] (b) a failure to make a decision. 1 (3) A court includes a tribunal or another similar entity. 2 245 Judges and other office holders not disqualified from 3 adjudicating 4 A judge, magistrate, justice or presiding member of a tribunal 5 is not disqualified from adjudicating in any proceedings to 6 which a local government is a party only because the person 7 is, or is liable to be, a ratepayer of the local government. 8 246 Where fines are to be paid to 9 (1) This section applies if, in proceedings brought by a local 10 government for an offence against a Local Government Act, 11 the court imposes a fine. 12 (2) The fine must be paid to the local government's operating 13 fund, unless the court ordered the fine to be paid to a person. 14 247 Local government references in this Act 15 (1) In a provision of this Act about a local government-- 16 (a) a reference to the mayor or another councillor is a 17 reference to the mayor or another councillor of the local 18 government; and 19 (b) a reference to the chief executive officer or another 20 employee is a reference to the chief executive officer or 21 another employee of the local government; and 22 (c) a reference to an authorised person is a reference to an 23 authorised person appointed by the local government; 24 and 25 (d) a reference to a local government area is a reference to 26 the local government area of the local government. 27 (2) In a provision of this Act, a reference to a local government is 28 a reference to the local government that-- 29 Page 203

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 248] (a) in a provision about the mayor or another 1 councillor--the mayor or other councillor was elected 2 or appointed to; and 3 (b) in a provision about the chief executive officer or 4 another employee--employs the chief executive officer 5 or another employee; and 6 (c) in a provision about an authorised person--appointed 7 the authorised person; and 8 (d) in a provision about a local government area--has 9 jurisdiction over the local government area. 10 248 Evidence of local laws 11 (1) In any proceedings, a certified copy of a local law or 12 consolidated version of a local law is evidence of the content 13 of the local law or consolidated version of the local law. 14 (2) A certified copy of a local law or consolidated version of a 15 local law is a copy that has been certified by the chief 16 executive officer to be the local law or consolidated version as 17 made by the local government. 18 (3) In any proceedings, a copy of the gazette that contains a 19 notice of making a local law is-- 20 (a) evidence of the content of the notice; and 21 (b) evidence that the local law has been properly made. 22 (4) In any proceedings, the competence of a local government to 23 make a particular local law is presumed unless the matter is 24 raised. 25 249 Evidence of proceedings of local government 26 (1) This section applies to a document that-- 27 (a) purports to be a copy of an entry in a record of the 28 proceedings of-- 29 (i) the local government; or 30 Page 204

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 250] (ii) a committee of a local government; and 1 (b) purports to have been signed at the time when the entry 2 was made by-- 3 (i) the mayor; or 4 (ii) the chairperson of the committee; and 5 (c) is certified by the chief executive officer to be a true 6 copy of the document. 7 (2) The document is evidence-- 8 (a) of the proceedings; and 9 (b) that the proceedings were properly held. 10 250 Evidentiary value of copies 11 (1) This section applies to a copy of a document that-- 12 (a) purports to be made under the authority of a local 13 government or its mayor; and 14 (b) purports to be verified by the mayor or an employee 15 who is authorised by the local government. 16 (2) The copy of the document is evidence in any proceedings as if 17 the copy were the original of the document. 18 251 Evidentiary value of certificates 19 (1) This section applies to a certificate that-- 20 (a) purports to be about the state of, or a fact in, a record of 21 the local government; and 22 (b) purports to be signed by the chief executive officer. 23 (2) The certificate is evidence of the matters contained in the 24 certificate. 25 Page 205

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 4 Legal provisions [s 252] 252 Evidence of directions given to local government 1 (1) This section applies to a document that-- 2 (a) purports to be a direction that the Minister, or the 3 department's chief executive, gave to a local 4 government under this Act; and 5 (b) purports to be certified by or for the Minister, or the 6 department's chief executive, to be a true copy of the 7 direction. 8 (2) The document is evidence of-- 9 (a) the giving of the direction; and 10 (b) the matters contained in the direction. 11 253 Evidence of complainant's knowledge of matter 12 In a complaint starting proceedings, a statement that the 13 matter of the complaint came to the complainant's knowledge 14 on a stated day is evidence of the matter. 15 254 Constitution and limits of local government need not be 16 proved 17 It is not necessary for the plaintiff in any proceedings started 18 by, for or against a local government to prove-- 19 (a) the local government's constitution; or 20 (b) the boundaries of the local government area; or 21 (c) the boundaries of a division of the local government 22 area. 23 Page 206

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 5 Delegation of powers [s 255] Part 5 Delegation of powers 1 255 Delegation of Minister's powers 2 (1) The Minister may delegate the Minister's powers under this 3 Act, or another Local Government Act, to an appropriately 4 qualified person. 5 (2) However, the Minister must not delegate a power under 6 section 121, 122 or 123. 7 256 Delegation of department's chief executive's powers 8 The department's chief executive may delegate the chief 9 executive's powers under this Act, or another Local 10 Government Act, to an appropriately qualified person. 11 257 Delegation of local government powers 12 (1) A local government may, by resolution, delegate a power 13 under this Act or another Act to-- 14 (a) the mayor; or 15 (b) the chief executive officer; or 16 (c) a standing committee, or joint standing committee, of 17 the local government; or 18 (d) the chairperson of a standing committee, or joint 19 standing committee, of the local government; or 20 (e) another local government, for the purposes of a joint 21 government activity. 22 (2) However, a local government must not delegate a power that 23 an Act states must be exercised by resolution. 24 258 Delegation of mayor's powers 25 (1) A mayor may delegate the mayor's powers to another 26 councillor of the local government. 27 Page 207

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 5 Delegation of powers [s 259] (2) However, the mayor must not delegate the power to give 1 directions to the chief executive officer. 2 259 Delegation of chief executive officer powers 3 (1) A chief executive officer may delegate the chief executive 4 officer's powers to an appropriately qualified employee or 5 contractor of the local government. 6 (2) However, the chief executive officer must not delegate the 7 following powers-- 8 (a) a power delegated by the local government, if the local 9 government has directed the chief executive officer not 10 to further delegate the power; 11 (b) a power to keep a register of interests; 12 (c) the power to sign a drafting certificate for a local law. 13 260 Local government delegations register 14 (1) The chief executive officer must establish a register of 15 delegations that contains the particulars prescribed under a 16 regulation. 17 (2) The chief executive officer must record the following 18 delegations in the register of delegations-- 19 (a) all delegations by the local government; 20 (b) all delegations by the chief executive officer. 21 (3) The public may inspect the register of delegations. 22 Page 208

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 6 Other provisions [s 261] Part 6 Other provisions 1 261 Public office of a local government 2 (1) A local government must keep premises for use as a public 3 office. 4 (2) The public office must be in, or as near as practicable to, the 5 local government area. 6 262 Powers in support of responsibilities 7 (1) This section applies if a local government or another entity is 8 required or empowered to perform a responsibility under a 9 Local Government Act. 10 (2) The local government or entity has the power to do anything 11 that is necessary or convenient for performing the 12 responsibilities. 13 (3) The powers include all the powers that an individual may 14 exercise, including for example-- 15 (a) power to enter into contracts; and 16 (b) power to acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of 17 property; and 18 (c) power to charge for a service or facility, other than a 19 service or facility for which a cost-recovery fee may be 20 fixed. 21 263 Validity of local government proceedings 22 The proceedings of a local government or any of its 23 committees, or the actions of a person acting as a councillor or 24 member of a committee, are not invalid merely because of-- 25 (a) vacancies in the membership of the local government or 26 committee; or 27 Page 209

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 6 Other provisions [s 264] (b) a defect or irregularity in the election or appointment of 1 any councillor or committee member; or 2 (c) the disqualification of a councillor or committee 3 member from acting as a councillor or committee 4 member. 5 264 Special entertainment precincts 6 (1) This section is about establishing a special entertainment 7 precinct. 8 (2) A special entertainment precinct is an area in which-- 9 (a) amplified music that is played at premises in the area is 10 regulated by a local law, and not by the Liquor Act 1992; 11 and 12 (b) the requirements about noise attenuation under the 13 Planning Act apply to certain types of development in 14 the area. 15 (3) If a local government wants to establish a special 16 entertainment precinct in its local government area, the local 17 government must-- 18 (a) amend the local government's planning scheme to 19 identify the special entertainment precinct; and 20 (b) make a local law to regulate noise from amplified music 21 from premises in the special entertainment precinct, in 22 accordance with a permit that is issued for the premises. 23 (4) However, a local law under this section does not apply to-- 24 (a) a major sports facility under the Major Sports Facilities 25 Act 2001; or 26 (b) an activity that-- 27 (i) is for a motor racing event under the Motor Racing 28 Events Act 1990; and 29 (ii) is being carried on by, or with the permission of, 30 the promoter of the motor racing event. 31 Page 210

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 6 Other provisions [s 265] 265 Materials in infrastructure are local government property 1 (1) The materials in the following things are the property of a 2 local government-- 3 (a) a road that is constructed by the local government; 4 (b) any works relating to a road (including gutters, 5 stormwater drains, kerbing and channelling, for 6 example) that are constructed by the local government; 7 (c) a floating pontoon, jetty, or wharf that is-- 8 (i) constructed by the local government; or 9 (ii) under the control of the local government. 10 (2) This section does not apply to the materials in-- 11 (a) an open drain, other than any lining of the drain; or 12 (b) the outcome of action taken in accordance with a 13 remedial notice under section 140. 14 266 Approved forms 15 The department's chief executive may approve forms for use 16 under this Act. 17 267 Review of this Act 18 The Minister must, within 4 years after the commencement of 19 this Act, carry out a review of the operation and effectiveness 20 of this Act. 21 268 Process for administrative action complaints 22 (1) A local government must adopt a process for resolving 23 administrative action complaints. 24 (2) An administrative action complaint is a complaint that-- 25 (a) is about an administrative action of a local government, 26 including the following, for example-- 27 Page 211

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 7 Other provisions Part 6 Other provisions [s 269] (i) a decision, or a failure to make a decision, 1 including a failure to provide a written statement of 2 reasons for a decision; 3 (ii) an act, or a failure to do an act; 4 (iii) the formulation of a proposal or intention; 5 (iv) the making of a recommendation; and 6 (b) is made by an affected person. 7 (3) An affected person is a person who is apparently directly 8 affected by an administrative action of a local government. 9 (4) A regulation may provide for the process for resolving 10 complaints about administrative actions of the local 11 government by affected persons. 12 269 Information for the Minister 13 (1) The Minister may, by written notice, require a local 14 government to give the Minister information about-- 15 (a) the local government area; or 16 (b) the local government. 17 (2) The local government must comply with the notice. 18 270 Regulation-making power 19 (1) The Governor in Council may make regulations under this 20 Act. 21 (2) For example, a regulation may be made about-- 22 (a) the processes of the tribunal in deciding the 23 remuneration that is payable to councillors (including 24 the remuneration schedule, for example); or 25 (b) corporate entities; or 26 (c) appeals against decisions made under this Act; or 27 Page 212

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and repeals [s 271] (d) a register of interests of councillors or other persons 1 who are given responsibilities to perform under this Act; 2 or 3 (e) the recording of conflicts of interest arising from the 4 performance of a responsibility under this Act; or 5 (f) the regulation and management of local government 6 assets and infrastructure; or 7 (g) a levy on the railway between Cairns and Kuranda; or 8 (h) drafting standards for local laws. 9 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and 10 repeals 11 271 What this chapter is about 12 (1) This chapter is about the transition from the repealed LG Acts 13 to this Act (including the transition of rights, liabilities and 14 interests, for example). 15 (2) The repealed LG Acts are-- 16 · the Local Government Act 1993 17 · the Local Government (Community Government Areas) 18 Act 2004. 19 272 Local governments, including joint local governments 20 (1) A local government under the repealed LG Acts continues in 21 existence as a local government under this Act. 22 (2) The following joint local governments continue in existence 23 under this Act-- 24 (a) the Esk-Gatton-Laidley Water Board; 25 (b) the Nogoa River Flood Plain Board. 26 Page 213

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and repeals [s 273] (3) The joint local governments have-- 1 (a) the same responsibilities that the joint local 2 governments had immediately before the 3 commencement of this section; and 4 (b) all powers of a local government under this Act, other 5 than the power to levy rates on land. 6 (4) If the context permits-- 7 (a) a reference in an Act or document to a local government 8 includes a reference to the joint local governments; and 9 (b) a reference in an Act or document to a local government 10 area includes a reference to the joint local government 11 areas; and 12 (c) a reference in an Act or document to a councillor of a 13 local government includes a reference to a member of 14 the joint local governments. 15 (5) A reference in an Act or document to a joint local government 16 may, if the context permits, be taken to be a reference to a 17 local government. 18 273 Community governments 19 (1) A community government under the repealed Local 20 Government (Community Government Areas) Act 2004 21 continues in existence as a local government under this Act. 22 (2) Anything done by a community government has effect, on the 23 commencement of this section, as if it had been done by a 24 local government. 25 (3) A reference in an Act or document to a community 26 government may, if the context permits, be taken to be a 27 reference to a local government. 28 Page 214

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and repeals [s 274] 274 Local service committees 1 (1) The local service committee of the Yarrabah Shire Council 2 continues in existence as if the Local Government 3 (Community Government Areas) Act 2004 was not repealed. 4 (2) On the commencement of this section-- 5 (a) all other local service committees are dissolved; and 6 (b) the members of all other local service committees go out 7 of office. 8 (3) No compensation is payable to a member because of 9 subsection (2). 10 275 Local government owned corporation 11 The local government owned corporation known as the Wide 12 Bay Water Corporation continues in existence as a corporate 13 entity under this Act. 14 276 Local laws 15 (1) A local law under a repealed LG Act, that was in force 16 immediately before the commencement of this section, 17 continues in force as a local law made under this Act. 18 (2) A local law includes an interim local law, model local law, 19 and subordinate local law. 20 277 Decisions 21 (1) A decision under a repealed LG Act, that was in force 22 immediately before the commencement of this section, 23 continues in force as if the decision were made under this Act. 24 (2) A decision includes an agreement, appointment, approval, 25 authorisation, certificate, charge, consent, declaration, 26 delegation, direction, dismissal, exemption, immunity, 27 instruction, licence, memorandum of understanding, order, 28 permit, plan, policy, protocol, rates, release, resolution, 29 restriction, settlement, suspension and warrant, for example. 30 Page 215

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and repeals [s 278] 278 Proceedings and evidence 1 (1) If, immediately before the commencement of this section, 2 proceedings for an appeal, a complaint or an offence could 3 legally have been started under a repealed LG Act, the 4 proceedings may be started under this Act. 5 (2) Proceedings for an appeal, a complaint or an offence under a 6 repealed LG Act may be continued under the repealed LG 7 Act, as if this Act had not commenced. 8 (3) Any document that was given evidentiary effect under a 9 repealed LG Act continues to have the evidentiary effect as if 10 the LG Act had not been repealed. 11 279 Super trust deed 12 A trust deed made by the board of directors of the super 13 board, that was in force immediately before the 14 commencement of this section, continues in force as a trust 15 deed made by the board of directors of the super board under 16 this Act. 17 280 Registers 18 (1) A register under a repealed LG Act continues as if it were 19 made under this Act. 20 (2) A register includes-- 21 (a) a register of delegations; and 22 (b) a register relating to enterprises; and 23 (c) a register of interests; and 24 (d) a register of regulatory fees; and 25 (e) a register of assets and gifts. 26 281 Remuneration schedule 27 The remuneration schedule for councillors, that was in force 28 immediately before the commencement of this section, 29 Page 216

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and repeals [s 282] continues in force as the remuneration schedule for 1 councillors under this Act. 2 282 References to repealed LG Act 3 A reference in an Act or document to a repealed LG Act may, 4 if the context permits, be taken to be a reference to this Act. 5 283 Continuation of instruments to implement reform 6 (1) The following instruments are continued in force as if chapter 7 3, part 1B of the 1993 Act had not been repealed-- 8 (a) the Local Government Reform Implementation 9 (Transferring Areas) Regulation 2007; 10 (b) the Local Government Reform Implementation 11 Regulation 2008; 12 (c) the Local Government (Workforce Transition Code of 13 Practice) Notice 2007. 14 (2) The instruments expire-- 15 (a) at the end of 31 December 2011; or 16 (b) at an earlier time fixed under a regulation. 17 284 Transitional regulation-making power 18 (1) A transitional regulation may provide about a matter that-- 19 (a) it is necessary to provide for, to allow or facilitate the 20 doing of anything to achieve the transition from a 21 repealed LG Act to this Act; and 22 (b) this Act does not provide for or sufficiently provide for. 23 (2) A transitional regulation may have retrospective operation to a 24 day that is not earlier than the day on which this section 25 commences. 26 (3) A transitional regulation must declare it is a transitional 27 regulation. 28 Page 217

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and repeals [s 285] (4) This section and any transitional regulation expire 1 year after 1 the day on which this section commences. 2 285 Administration of sinking fund for liquidation of current 3 borrowings 4 (1) The corporation continued in existence by the 1993 Act, 5 under the name `Trustees of the Local Governments Debt 6 Redemption Fund' (the Trustees) is continued in existence. 7 (2) The Trustees are responsible for administering the sinking 8 funds for the liquidation of amounts borrowed by local 9 governments before this section commences. 10 (3) The 1936 Act, section 28(15) continues to apply to the 11 Trustees with any necessary changes, and any changes 12 prescribed under a regulation. 13 (4) The Trustees are a statutory body for the Statutory Bodies 14 Financial Arrangements Act. 15 (5) Part 2B of that Act sets out the way in which that Act affects 16 the Trustees' powers. 17 286 Local Government Association 18 (1) The Local Government Association of Queensland 19 (Incorporated) (LGAQ Inc.) is continued in existence, and 20 chapter 18, part 1 of the 1993 Act continues in force, despite 21 its repeal, so far as it applies to the Local Government 22 Association, until the end of 30 June 2010. 23 (2) On and from 1 July 2010-- 24 (a) LGAQ Inc. stops being a public authority (however 25 called) for the purposes of an Act (including the 26 Ombudsman Act 2001 and Public Records Act 2002, for 27 example); and 28 (b) all rights, liabilities and interests of LGAQ Inc., that are 29 in existence immediately before 1 July 2010, are taken 30 to be the rights, liabilities and interests of a corporation 31 that is prescribed under a regulation (LGAQ Limited). 32 Page 218

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 8 Transitionals, savings and repeals [s 287] (3) For example-- 1 (a) an agreement with the LGAQ Inc. becomes an 2 agreement with LGAQ Limited; and 3 (b) an interest in real or personal property of LGAQ Inc. 4 becomes an interest of LGAQ Limited; and 5 (c) a proceeding that could be started or continued by or 6 against LGAQ Inc. may be started or continued by or 7 against LGAQ Limited; and 8 (d) a person who was employed by LGAQ Inc. is taken to 9 be employed by LGAQ Limited. 10 (4) This change of employer does not-- 11 (a) affect an employee's employment conditions, benefits, 12 entitlements or remuneration; or 13 (b) prejudice an employee's existing or accruing rights to-- 14 (i) recreation, sick, long service or other leave; or 15 (ii) superannuation; or 16 (c) entitle a person to a payment or other benefit merely 17 because the person is no longer employed by LGAQ 18 Inc.; or 19 (d) interrupt a person's continuity of service; or 20 (e) constitute a retrenchment or redundancy. 21 (5) A reference in an Act or document to the LGAQ Inc. may, if 22 the context permits, be taken to be a reference to LGAQ 23 Limited. 24 287 Repeal 25 The following Acts are repealed-- 26 · the Local Government Act 1993, No. 70 27 · the Local Government (Community Government Areas) 28 Act 2004, No. 37. 29 Page 219

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 288] Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts 1 Part 1 Amendment of Animal 2 Management (Cats and Dogs) 3 Act 2008 4 288 Act amended in pt 1 5 This part amends the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) 6 Act 2008. 7 289 Amendment of s 9 (Who is an owner of a cat or dog) 8 Section 9(2)-- 9 insert-- 10 `(c) merely because the person is an inspector under the 11 Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 or is performing 12 functions, or exercising powers, in that capacity under 13 that Act.'. 14 290 Amendment of s 13 (Supplier must ensure cat or dog is 15 implanted) 16 Section 13(3)-- 17 omit. 18 291 Omission of s 15 (Notice of changed identifying 19 information) 20 Section 15-- 21 omit. 22 Page 220

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 292] 292 Amendment of s 44 (Registration obligation) 1 (1) Section 44(1) to (3)-- 2 renumber as section 44(2) to (4). 3 (2) Section 44(4)-- 4 omit. 5 (3) Section 44-- 6 insert-- 7 `(1) This section does not apply to-- 8 (a) the operator of a pound or shelter; or 9 (b) the owner of a cat or dog less than 12 weeks old.'. 10 (4) Section 44(2), as renumbered, note-- 11 omit. 12 (5) Section 44(3), as renumbered, note-- 13 omit, insert-- 14 `Note-- 15 See also section 216 (Cat or dog not registered at commencement).'. 16 (6) Section 44(4), as renumbered, `subsection (1) or (2)'-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `subsection (2) or (3)'. 19 293 Amendment of s 45 (Cat or dog must bear identification 20 in particular circumstances) 21 Section 45 from `A person' to `excuse.'-- 22 omit, insert-- 23 `(1) This section applies if a cat or dog, other than a regulated dog, 24 is at a place other than the address stated in the registration 25 notice for the cat or dog. 26 Page 221

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 294] `(2) The person who keeps the cat or dog must ensure it bears the 1 identification prescribed under a local law unless the person 2 has a reasonable excuse.'. 3 294 Amendment of s 47 (What registration form must state) 4 Section 47(2), definition address, paragraph (b), `to kept'-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `to be kept'. 7 295 Amendment of s 49 (Relevant local government must give 8 registration notice) 9 Section 49(3)(b)(i), `section 47'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `sections 47 and 48(2)'. 12 296 Amendment of s 54 (Amendment of registration) 13 Section 54(2), `permit holder'-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `relevant person mentioned in schedule 1, section 8'. 16 297 Amendment of s 55 (Relevant local government must give 17 notice of change) 18 Section 55(4), after `chief executive'-- 19 insert-- 20 `officer'. 21 298 Amendment of s 56 (Relevant local government must give 22 renewal notice) 23 Section 56(2)(b)(iii), `10 days'-- 24 Page 222

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 299] omit, insert-- 1 `7 days'. 2 299 Amendment of s 57 (What owner must do) 3 (1) Section 57(1)-- 4 omit, insert-- 5 `(1) This section applies to the owner of a cat or dog whether or 6 not the owner has been given a renewal notice.'. 7 (2) Section 57(2), from `within 14' to `renewal notice--'-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `before the period of registration for the cat or dog expires--'. 10 300 Amendment of s 58 (Relevant local government must give 11 registration notice) 12 (1) Section 58, heading-- 13 omit, insert-- 14 `58 Relevant local government's obligations if owner 15 complies'. 16 (2) Section 58(4), after `chief executive'-- 17 insert-- 18 `officer'. 19 (3) Section 58(4)(b), from `the owner'-- 20 omit, insert-- 21 `the owner any registration device for the cat or dog.'. 22 301 Amendment of s 61 (What is a declared dangerous dog) 23 Section 61(b)-- 24 omit, insert-- 25 Page 223

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 302] `(b) a dog that is the subject of a declaration, however called, 1 if the declaration-- 2 (i) was made under a corresponding law; and 3 (ii) is the same as or similar to a dangerous dog 4 declaration.'. 5 302 Amendment of s 62 (What is a declared menacing dog) 6 Section 62(b)-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `(b) a dog that is the subject of a declaration, however called, 9 if the declaration-- 10 (i) was made under a corresponding law; and 11 (ii) is the same as or similar to a menacing dog 12 declaration.'. 13 303 Amendment of s 93 (Owner's obligations if proposed 14 declaration notice in force) 15 (1) Section 93, heading, `obligations'-- 16 omit, insert-- 17 `obligation'. 18 (2) Section 93(1), from `requirements' to `are'-- 19 omit, insert-- 20 `permit condition imposed under schedule 1, section 3, is'. 21 (3) Section 93(1), notes, first bullet point, `public'-- 22 omit, insert-- 23 `place that is not relevant place'. 24 Page 224

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 304] 304 Amendment of s 95 (Notice and taking effect of 1 declaration) 2 Section 95(5)(e)(i), `relevant'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `menacing'. 5 305 Amendment of s 98 (Declared menacing dogs) 6 Section 98(1), `sections 2 and'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `sections 2, 3(1)(b) and (2) and'. 9 306 Amendment of s 104 (Appointment and qualifications) 10 (1) Section 104(1) and (2)-- 11 renumber as section 104(2) and (3). 12 (2) Section 104-- 13 insert-- 14 `(1) The chief executive may appoint any of the following persons 15 as an authorised person to investigate, monitor and enforce 16 compliance with this Act-- 17 (a) a public service employee; 18 (b) a person prescribed under a regulation.'. 19 (3) Section 104(3), as renumbered, from `chief executive officer 20 may' to `chief executive officer is'-- 21 omit, insert-- 22 `chief executive or chief executive officer (each the 23 designated officer) may appoint a person as an authorised 24 person only if the designated officer is'. 25 Page 225

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 307] 307 Amendment of s 112 (Additional entry powers for 1 particular dogs) 2 Section 112(1)(a)(ii)(B), `this chapter'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `chapter 4'. 5 308 Amendment of s 131 (Return of regulated dog to 6 registered owner) 7 Section 131(3)(c), `subsection (2)(d)(ii)'-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `subsection (2)(d)'. 10 309 Amendment of s 173 (Who may inspect registers) 11 Section 173(6), `prescribed fee'-- 12 omit, insert-- 13 `fee decided by the chief executive'. 14 310 Amendment of s 174 (Chief executive officer must give 15 information) 16 (1) Section 174(2)(b), `state the'-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `state'. 19 (2) Section 174(2)(b)(i), `section 47'-- 20 omit, insert-- 21 `the registration notice'. 22 311 Amendment of s 181 (Who may apply for review) 23 Section 181(2), `by the' to `officer for'-- 24 omit, insert-- 25 Page 226

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 312] `by a local government or authorised person appointed to a 1 local government may apply to the chief executive officer of 2 the local government for'. 3 312 Amendment of s 182 (Requirements for making PID 4 review application) 5 Section 182(1)(a), `approved;'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `;'. 8 313 Amendment of s 183 (Requirements for making general 9 review application) 10 Section 183(1)(a), from `approved by' to `decision'-- 11 omit. 12 314 Amendment of s 184 (Stay of operation of original 13 decision) 14 Section 184(5), note, `public'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `place that is not relevant place'. 17 315 Amendment of s 189 (Starting appeal) 18 Section 189(1)(a), `the clerk of'-- 19 omit. 20 316 Amendment of s 190 (Stay of operation of review notice) 21 Section 190(3), note, `public'-- 22 omit, insert-- 23 `place that is not relevant place'. 24 Page 227

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 317] 317 Amendment of s 194 (Particular persons must ensure 1 dog does not attack or cause fear) 2 (1) Section 194, heading, `Particular persons'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `Relevant person'. 5 (2) Section 194(1), penalty, paragraph (b), after `death of'-- 6 insert-- 7 `or grievous bodily harm to'. 8 (3) Section 194(2)-- 9 insert-- 10 `animal does not include vermin that are not the property of 11 anyone. 12 Examples of vermin that are someone's property-- 13 · a pet mouse or guinea pig 14 · vermin that are protected animals under the Nature Conservation 15 Act 1992. (See section 83 of that Act.)'. 16 318 Replacement of ss 195 and 196 17 Sections 195 and 196-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `195 Prohibition on allowing or encouraging dog to attack 20 or cause fear 21 `(1) A person must not allow or encourage a dog to attack, or act in 22 a way that causes fear to, a person or another animal. 23 Maximum penalty-- 24 (a) if the attack causes the death of or grievous bodily harm 25 to the person--300 penalty units; or 26 (b) if the attack causes the death of or grievous bodily harm 27 to the animal--100 penalty units; or 28 Page 228

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 318] (c) if the attack causes bodily harm to the person or 1 animal--50 penalty units; or 2 (d) otherwise--20 penalty units. 3 `(2) In this section-- 4 allow or encourage, without limiting the Criminal Code, 5 sections 7 and 8, includes cause to allow or encourage. 6 Editor's note-- 7 Criminal Code, sections 7 (Principal offenders) and 8 (Offences 8 committed in prosecution of common purpose) 9 animal does not include vermin that are not the property of 10 anyone. 11 Examples of vermin that are someone's property-- 12 · a pet mouse or guinea pig 13 · vermin that are protected animals under the Nature Conservation 14 Act 1992. (See section 83 of that Act.)'. 15 `196 Defences for offence against s 194 or 195 16 `(1) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against section 17 194 or 195 for the defendant to prove-- 18 (a) the dog attacked, or acted in a way that caused fear to, 19 the other person (the complainant) or the animal-- 20 (i) as a result of the dog being attacked, mistreated, 21 provoked or teased by the complainant or the 22 animal; or 23 (ii) to protect the complainant, or a person 24 accompanying the complainant (the 25 accompanying person), or the complainant's or 26 accompanying person's property; or 27 (b) for an attack on an animal, the dog was engaged in 28 hunting the animal on private property when the offence 29 happened; or 30 Page 229

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 319] (c) for an attack on stock, the dog is a working dog and the 1 offence happened when the stock were being worked; or 2 (d) the dog is a government entity dog and when the offence 3 happened the defendant was acting within the scope of 4 employment by the government entity; or 5 (e) when the offence happened, the dog was a security 6 patrol dog carrying out that function under the Security 7 Providers Act 1993. 8 `(2) In this section-- 9 dog patrol category, of functions of a security officer, has the 10 meaning given by the Security Providers Act 1993, schedule 11 2. 12 security officer has the meaning given by the Security 13 Providers Act 1993, section 7. 14 security patrol dog means a dog used in the dog patrol 15 category of functions of a security officer.'. 16 319 Amendment of s 206 (Delegation by chief executive 17 officer) 18 Section 206(1), after `an'-- 19 omit, insert-- 20 `appropriately qualified'. 21 320 Amendment of s 209 (Approval of forms) 22 Section 209(1), `section 183'-- 23 omit, insert-- 24 `section 182'. 25 321 Amendment of s 211 (Deferral for particular local 26 governments) 27 Section 211, from `to a local' to `SEQ local'-- 28 Page 230

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 322] omit, insert-- 1 `in an area of a local government, other than in the area of a 2 designated local'. 3 322 Amendment of s 212 (Restricted dog registers) 4 Section 212(1), `an SEQ'-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `a designated'. 7 323 Amendment of s 213 (Cats and dogs implanted before 8 commencement) 9 Section 213, after `the commencement'-- 10 insert-- 11 `of this section'. 12 324 Replacement of s 216 (Cat or dog not registered at 13 commencement) 14 Section 216-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `216 Cat or dog not registered at commencement 17 `(1) This section applies to an owner of a cat or dog other than the 18 operator of a shelter or pound if the cat or dog-- 19 (a) is not registered at the commencement of this section; or 20 (b) is less than 12 weeks old. 21 `(2) The owner must ensure the cat or dog is registered within 3 22 months after-- 23 (a) if the relevant local government is a designated local 24 government--the commencement; or 25 (b) otherwise--the deferred date. 26 Page 231

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 325] Maximum penalty--20 penalty units. 1 `(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against 2 subsection (2) for the defendant to prove the cat or dog is-- 3 (a) a government entity dog; or 4 (b) a working dog; or 5 (c) another class of cat or dog prescribed under a 6 regulation.'. 7 325 Insertion of new ss 217A and 217B 8 After section 217-- 9 insert-- 10 `217A Corresponding law regulated dogs and 11 corresponding convictions 12 `(1) This section applies if immediately before the commencement 13 of this section-- 14 (a) a dog was the subject of a declaration, however called, 15 under a corresponding law; and 16 (b) the declaration is the same as or similar to a regulated 17 dog declaration. 18 `(2) The dog is taken to be a regulated dog under this Act. 19 `(3) A corresponding conviction for an offence relating to the dog 20 is taken to be a conviction for an offence against chapter 4. 21 `(4) In this section-- 22 corresponding conviction, for an offence relating to the dog, 23 means a conviction in another State for an offence that is the 24 same, or substantially the same, as an offence against chapter 25 4. 26 Page 232

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 326] `217B Local law dangerous dogs and corresponding 1 convictions 2 `(1) A dog that was declared to be a dangerous dog under a local 3 law (a local law dangerous dog) immediately before the 4 commencement of this section is taken to be a declared 5 dangerous dog under this Act. 6 `(2) A corresponding conviction for an offence relating to a local 7 law dangerous dog is taken to be a conviction for an offence 8 against chapter 4. 9 `(3) In this section-- 10 corresponding conviction, for an offence relating to a local 11 law dangerous dog, means a conviction under a local law for 12 an offence that is the same, or substantially the same, as an 13 offence against chapter 4.'. 14 326 Amendment of sch 1 (Permit conditions and conditions 15 applying to declared dangerous and menacing dogs) 16 (1) Schedule 1, section 1, definition relevant person-- 17 omit. 18 (2) Schedule 1, section 3, heading, `public'-- 19 omit, insert-- 20 `place that is not relevant place'. 21 (3) Schedule 1, section 3, `public place'-- 22 omit, insert-- 23 `place that is not the relevant place for the dog'. 24 (4) Schedule 1, section 3-- 25 insert-- 26 `(3) In subsection (1)(a)-- 27 relevant dog-- 28 (a) does not include a declared menacing dog; but 29 Page 233

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 327] (b) includes a dog the subject of a proposed declaration 1 notice for a dangerous dog declaration or restricted dog 2 declaration.'. 3 (5) Schedule 1, section 8(1), `permit holder'-- 4 omit, insert-- 5 `relevant person'. 6 (6) Schedule 1, section 8, `holder must'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `person must'. 9 (7) Schedule 1, section 8(1), `holder's'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `person's'. 12 (8) Schedule 1, section 8-- 13 insert-- 14 `(3) In this section-- 15 relevant person means-- 16 (a) if a permit condition applies to a declared dangerous 17 dog or a declared menacing dog--the owner of the dog; 18 or 19 (b) if a permit condition applies to a restricted dog--the 20 permit holder for the dog.'. 21 327 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary) 22 (1) Schedule 2, definitions changed information, relevant person 23 and SEQ local government-- 24 omit. 25 (2) Schedule 2-- 26 insert-- 27 Page 234

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 1 Amendment of Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 [s 327] `designated local government means-- 1 (a) the Brisbane City Council; or 2 (b) the Central Highlands Regional Council; or 3 (c) the Gladstone Regional Council; or 4 (d) the following councils-- 5 · Gold Coast City Council 6 · Ipswich City Council 7 · Lockyer Valley Regional Council 8 · Logan City Council 9 · Moreton Bay Regional Council 10 · Redland City Council 11 · Scenic Rim Regional Council 12 · Somerset Regional Council 13 · Sunshine Coast Regional Council 14 · Toowoomba Regional Council.'. 15 (3) Schedule 2, definition approved form, paragraph (a), `section 16 183'-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `section 182'. 19 (4) Schedule 2, definition original decider, paragraph (b), from 20 `by'-- 21 omit, insert-- 22 `by a local government or authorised person appointed to a 23 local government--the chief executive officer of the local 24 government.'. 25 Page 235

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Chapter 9 Amendments of Acts Part 2 Amendments of Acts [s 328] (5) Schedule 2, definition original decision, from `may be 1 given'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `must be given.'. 4 (6) Schedule 2, definition registration notice, `section 49(2)'-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `section 49(3)(b) and (d)'. 7 (7) Schedule 2, definition relevant dog, after `dog'-- 8 insert-- 9 `, for schedule 1,'. 10 (8) Schedule 2, definition relevant place, `for a relevant dog'-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `for schedule 1'. 13 Part 2 Amendments of Acts 14 328 Acts amended in sch 1 15 Schedule 1 amends the Acts that it mentions. 16 Page 236

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Schedule 1 Acts amended 1 section 328 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities 3 (Justice, Land and Other Matters) Act 1984 4 1 Section 4, definitions community government and 5 community government area-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `community government is an indigenous local government, 8 that is not an indigenous regional council, under the Local 9 Government Act 2009. 10 community government area is the local government area of 11 a community government.'. 12 2 Section 4, definition IRC division area, `Local 13 Government Act 1993'-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `Local Government Act 2009'. 16 3 Section 4, definition local law-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `local law has the meaning given in the Local Government Act 19 2009.'. 20 Page 237

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Aboriginal Land Act 1991 1 1 Section 22(1), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 2 Section 35(a), from `a community government' to `2004'-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `an indigenous local government, other than an indigenous 7 regional council, under the Local Government Act 2009'. 8 Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (Land Holding) 9 Act 1985 10 85 Section 4, definition indigenous council-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `indigenous council means an indigenous local government 13 under the Local Government Act 2009.'. 14 Acts Interpretation Act 1954 15 1 Section 36, definitions additional territorial unit, area, 16 basic territorial unit, joint local government and territorial 17 unit-- 18 omit. 19 Page 238

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 2 Section 36-- 1 insert-- 2 `local government area means a local government area under 3 the Local Government Act 2009.'. 4 3 Section 36, definition local government, paragraph (b)-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `(b) a local government under the Local Government Act 7 2009.'. 8 Airport Assets (Restructuring and Disposal) Act 2008 9 1 Section 99(2)(a), `Local Government Act 1936'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `Local Government Act 2009'. 12 Body Corporate and Community Management Act 13 1997 14 1 Section 80(1)(b), `Local Government Act 1936'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `Local Government Act 2009'. 17 2 Section 196(8), `Local Government Act 1993, section 18 1016'-- 19 omit, insert-- 20 `Local Government Act 2009'. 21 Page 239

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 3 Section 198(3), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 1 omit, insert-- 2 `Local Government Act 2009'. 3 Brisbane City Council Business and Procedure Act 4 1939 5 1 Section 6, `Local Government Act 1936'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `Local Government Act 2009'. 8 2 Section 6(1), `and pursuant to'-- 9 omit, insert-- 10 `the'. 11 3 Section 6(1), `as referred to in section 27(11)(iv) of the 12 Local Government Act 1936'-- 13 omit. 14 4 Section 6(2), `Local Government Act 1936 does not 15 require the registrar of titles'-- 16 omit, insert-- 17 `registrar of titles is not required'. 18 Page 240

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Brisbane River Tidal Lands Improvement Act 1927 1 1 Section 4, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 Building Act 1975 5 1 Section 86(1)(c), `Local Government Act 1993, section 6 1071(1)(e)'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `Local Government Act 2009'. 9 2 Section 108A(7)(b), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `Local Government Act 2009'. 12 3 Section 229(4), definition local government Act, `Local 13 Government Act 1993'-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `Local Government Act 2009'. 16 4 Section 242(6), `perform work' to `section 1066.'-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `take action under the Local Government Act 2009, section 142.'. 19 Page 241

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 5 Section 252, `mentioned in' to `section 1066.'-- 1 omit, insert-- 2 `to take action under the Local Government Act 2009, section 3 142.'. 4 6 Section 256(2)(a)(ii), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `Local Government Act 2009'. 7 7 Schedule 2, definition owner, `Local Government Act 8 1993, section 1124'-- 9 omit, insert-- 10 `Local Government Act 2009 as the person who will accept service 11 for the owners'. 12 Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 13 1 Section 64(1), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `Local Government Act 2009'. 16 City of Brisbane Act 1924 17 1 Schedule 2, definition conduct review panel-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `conduct review panel means the regional conduct review 20 panel under the Local Government Act 2009.'. 21 Page 242

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 2 Schedule 2, definition general complaints process, `, 1 chapter 6, part 5'-- 2 omit. 3 3 Schedule 2, definition Local Government Act, `Local 4 Government Act 1993'-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `Local Government Act 2009'. 7 4 Schedule 2, definition owner, `, section 4'-- 8 omit. 9 5 Schedule 2, definition regulatory fee-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `regulatory fee means a fee fixed under the Local Government 12 Act 2009, section 97.'. 13 Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 14 1 Schedule, definition local government area, `Local 15 Government Act 1993'-- 16 omit, insert-- 17 `Local Government Act 2009'. 18 Page 243

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Community Services Act 2007 1 1 Section 22(d), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 Constitution of Queensland 2001 5 1 Section 71(4)-- 6 omit. 7 2 Section 77(1)(a), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `Local Government Act 2009'. 10 Criminal Code Act 1899 11 1 Section 442A, definition local government-- 12 omit. 13 2 Section 552C(5)(a)-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `(a) that is within a local government area of an indigenous 16 local government under the Local Government Act 17 2009; or'. 18 Page 244

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995 1 1 Section 9, example, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 Disaster Management Act 2003 5 1 Schedule 2, definition SES unit, `the area of a local 6 government'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `a local government area'. 9 Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 1989 10 1 Section 50(3), examples, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `Local Government Act 2009'. 13 Duties Act 2001 14 1 Section 430(d)-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `(d) for implementing a local government change under the 17 Local Government Act 2009; or'. 18 Page 245

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Electoral Act 1992 1 1 Section 31(3)(a), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 2 Section 152(2)(a)(ii), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `Local Government Act 2009'. 7 3 Section 152(2)(a)(iv)-- 8 omit. 9 Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 10 1 Schedule 3, definition appropriate Minister, `Local 11 Government Act 1993'-- 12 omit, insert-- 13 `Local Government Act 2009'. 14 Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 15 1 Section 114(3), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 16 omit, insert-- 17 `Local Government Act 2009'. 18 Page 246

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 2 Section 119(1), `Local Government Act 1993, section 1 1018(3)(a)'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009 for overdue rates'. 4 3 Section 123(2), `Local Government Act 1993, section 5 1018(1)'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `Local Government Act 2009'. 8 4 Section 128A(b)-- 9 omit, insert-- 10 `(b) for another local government--special rates and 11 charges, or separate rates and charges, under the Local 12 Government Act 2009.'. 13 Fisheries Act 1994 14 1 Section 145(2)(a), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `Local Government Act 2009'. 17 Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1963 18 1 Section 4(4)(c)-- 19 omit. 20 Page 247

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Forestry Act 1959 1 1 Section 72(6)(b), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 Fossicking Act 1994 5 1 Section 82(e)(i), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `Local Government Act 2009'. 8 Freedom of Information Act 1992 9 1 Section 7, definition corporatised corporation-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `corporatised corporation means a corporate entity under the 12 Local Government Act 2009.'. 13 2 Section 7, definition responsible Minister, paragraph (d), 14 `Local Government Act 1993'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `Local Government Act 2009'. 17 Page 248

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 3 Section 11(1)(u), `Local Government Act 1993, sections 1 247(1)(b) and 1139(2)'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 4 Section 11(1)(v), `Local Government Act 1993, section 5 1139(1)'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `Local Government Act 2009'. 8 5 Section 11B, `Local Government Act 1993, section 9 1205'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `Local Government Act 2009'. 12 Geothermal Exploration Act 2004 13 1 Section 97I(1)(b)(ii), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `Local Government Act 2009'. 16 Housing Act 2003 17 1 Section 95(1), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `Local Government Act 2009'. 20 Page 249

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Housing (Freeholding of Land) Act 1957 1 1 Section 7(7), `Local Government Act 1993, section 2 1057'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `Local Government Act 2009'. 5 2 Section 8B(1)(b), `Local Government Act 1993, section 6 1037A'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `Local Government Act 2009'. 9 Iconic Queensland Places Act 2008 10 1 Section 36(5), `Local Government Act, section 6'-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `Local Government Act 2009'. 13 2 Section 60(1)(b)-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `(b) the relevant local government is proposing to amend or 16 repeal the local law.'. 17 3 Section 60(3) and (4) `, chapter 12'-- 18 omit. 19 4 Section 63, `chapter 12, part 2, division 2 or 3'-- 20 omit, insert-- 21 `chapter 3, part 1, division 2'. 22 Page 250

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 5 Section 64(1), `section 861(1), 867(1) or 872(2)(b)'-- 1 omit, insert-- 2 `section 29'. 3 6 Section 65, `chapter 12, part 2, division 2 or 3'-- 4 omit, insert-- 5 `chapter 3, part 1, division 2'. 6 7 Schedule 2, definition Local Government Act, `Local 7 Government Act 1993'-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `Local Government Act 2009'. 10 Inala Shopping Centre Freeholding Act 2006 11 1 Section 19(4), `Local Government Act 1993, section 12 1057'-- 13 omit, insert-- 14 `Local Government Act 2009'. 15 2 Section 23(1)(b), `Local Government Act 1993, section 16 1037A'-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `Local Government Act 2009'. 19 Page 251

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Industrial Development Act 1963 1 1 Section 3(6), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 2 Section 5(7), (9), (10) and (11), `Local Government Act 5 1993'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `Local Government Act 2009'. 8 Judicial Review Act 1991 9 1 Section 3, definition corporatised corporation-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `corporatised corporation means a corporate entity under the 12 Local Government Act 2009.'. 13 2 Section 18B, `Local Government Act 1993, section 14 1205'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `Local Government Act 2009'. 17 3 Schedule 1, part 1, `Local Government Act 1993, sections 18 159X and 159YP'-- 19 omit, insert-- 20 `Local Government Act 2009, sections 21, 114 and 229'. 21 Page 252

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Justices Act 1886 1 1 Section 53(2)(a)(iii), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 Land Act 1994 5 1 Sections 56(4)(a) and (5) and 111(1) and (2)(b), `Local 6 Government Act 1993'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `Local Government Act 2009'. 9 2 Section 240G(4), `Local Government Act 1993, section 10 1016'-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `Local Government Act 2009'. 13 3 Section 240Q(e), `Local Government Act 1993, chapter 14, 14 part 7'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `Local Government Act 2009'. 17 4 Section 369(8), definition relevant provisions, paragraph 18 (a), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 19 omit, insert-- 20 `Local Government Act 2009'. 21 Page 253

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) 1 Act 2002 2 1 Sections 84(2) and 154(1), `an unpaid amount under the 3 Local Government Act 1993, section 1068'-- 4 omit, insert-- 5 `overdue rates under the Local Government Act 2009'. 6 2 Section 306, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `Local Government Act 2009'. 9 Land Tax Act 1915 10 1 Section 26C(1), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `Local Government Act 2009'. 13 Land Title Act 1994 14 1 Section 89(7), definition relevant provisions, paragraph 15 (a), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 16 omit, insert-- 17 `Local Government Act 2009'. 18 Page 254

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Libraries Act 1988 1 1 Sections 54 and 55(3), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 2 Section 55(1)(a), `or a joint local government'-- 5 omit. 6 3 Section 55(1), `or the joint local government as the case 7 may be,'-- 8 omit. 9 4 Section 55(2), `or joint local government'-- 10 omit. 11 Liquor Act 1992 12 1 Section 4, definition corporatised corporation-- 13 omit, insert-- 14 `corporatised corporation means a corporate entity under the 15 Local Government Act 2009.'. 16 2 Section 4, definition Council, paragraph (a) and (b)-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `(a) an indigenous local government under the Local 19 Government Act 2009; or'. 20 Page 255

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 3 Section 4, definition indigenous regional council, `Local 1 Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 4 Section 112B(1)(b) and (3)(b), `Local Government Act 5 1993, section 956G'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `Local Government Act 2009'. 8 5 Section 112B(1)(c), `Local Government Act 1993, section 9 956G(3)(b)'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `Local Government Act 2009'. 12 6 Section 173A, definition road, paragraph (a), `Local 13 Government Act 1993'-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `Local Government Act 2009'. 16 7 Section 187(1A)(a), `Local Government Act 1993, section 17 956G'-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `Local Government Act 2009'. 20 8 Section 187(1A)(b), `Local Government Act 1993, section 21 956G(3)(b)'-- 22 omit, insert-- 23 `Local Government Act 2009'. 24 Page 256

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Local Government (Aboriginal Lands) Act 1978 1 1 Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 21(1), 29, 32(2) and 43(4), `Local 2 Government Act 1993'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `Local Government Act 2009'. 5 2 Section 6, `SC211'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `LGRB 2'. 8 3 Section 7, `SC212'-- 9 omit, insert-- 10 `LGRB 45'. 11 4 Section 12, `Local Government Act 1993, section 164'-- 12 omit, insert-- 13 `Local Government Act 2009'. 14 Local Government (Chinatown and The Valley Malls) 15 Act 1984 16 1 Schedule 4, definition authorised person, `Local 17 Government Act 1993, chapter 15, part 5'-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `Local Government Act 2009'. 20 Page 257

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Local Government (Queen Street Mall) Act 1981 1 1 Schedule 2, definition authorised person, `Local 2 Government Act 1993, chapter 15, part 5'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `Local Government Act 2009'. 5 Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1909 6 1 Section 4, definition Local Government Act, from `Local 7 Government Act 1993'-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `Local Government Act 2009.'. 10 2 Section 4, definition local government-- 11 omit. 12 Mineral Resources Act 1989 13 1 Section 318EV(1)(b)(ii), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `Local Government Act 2009'. 16 2 Schedule, definition eligible person, paragraph (a)(iii), 17 `Local Government Act 1993, chapter 14, part 7'-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `Local Government Act 2009 for overdue rates'. 20 Page 258

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Motor Racing Events Act 1990 1 1 Sections 5G(2) and 12(4), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 National Trust of Queensland Act 1963 5 1 Sections 6(3)(b) and 39(a), `Local Government Act 6 1993'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `Local Government Act 2009'. 9 Ombudsman Act 2001 10 1 Schedule 3, definition responsible Minister, paragraph 11 (b), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 12 omit, insert-- 13 `Local Government Act 2009'. 14 Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 15 1 Section 68(1)(c), note 2, `Local Government Act 1993, 16 section 224A'-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `Local Government Act 2009, section 155'. 19 Page 259

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Petroleum Act 1923 1 1 Section 79E(1)(b)(ii), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 5 1 Section 522(1)(b)(ii), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `Local Government Act 2009'. 8 Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 9 1 Sections 83(3)(b) and 86A(9)(b)-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `(b) ensure a copy of the resolution is available for 12 inspection at the local government's public office under 13 the Local Government Act 2009.'. 14 2 Section 114, hdg, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `Local Government Act 2009'. 17 3 Section 114(1)(c), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `Local Government Act 2009'. 20 Page 260

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 4 Section 114(3)(a), `Local Government Act 1993, section 1 1084'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 5 Section 114(3)(a), `chapter 15, part 5 of'-- 5 omit. 6 6 Section 143(2)(a)-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `(a) ensure a copy of the resolution is available for 9 inspection at the local government's public office under 10 the Local Government Act 2009; and'. 11 Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 12 1 Schedule 6, definition community government area-- 13 omit, insert-- 14 `community government area is the local government area of 15 an indigenous local government, that is not an indigenous 16 local government, under the Local Government Act 2009.'. 17 2 Schedule 6, definition mall, paragraph (a), `Local 18 Government Act 1993'-- 19 omit, insert-- 20 `Local Government Act 2009'. 21 Page 261

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 3 Schedule 6, definition public official, paragraph (c), 1 `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 5 1 Sections 148(b), 187(b) and 225(b)-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `(b) the land is within a local government area; and'. 8 Prostitution Act 1999 9 1 Schedule 4, definition local government area-- 10 omit. 11 Public Health Act 2005 12 1 Section 19(2), `Local Government Act 1993, section 31'-- 13 omit, insert-- 14 `Local Government Act 2009, section 27'. 15 2 Section 20-- 16 omit, insert-- 17 Page 262

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 `20 Application of Local Government Act 2009 1 `The Local Government Act 2009, chapter 5, part 2, does not 2 apply to the administration and enforcement of this Act by a 3 local government.'. 4 3 Sections 31(3) and 406(3), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 5 omit, insert-- 6 `Local Government Act 2009'. 7 4 Schedule 2, definition owner, `Local Government Act 8 1993, section 4'-- 9 omit, insert-- 10 `Local Government Act 2009'. 11 Public Records Act 2002 12 1 Section 29(3)(a), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 13 omit, insert-- 14 `Local Government Act 2009'. 15 Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 16 1 Schedule, definitions corporatised corporation and local 17 government legislation-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `corporatised corporation means a corporate entity under the 20 Local Government Act 2009. 21 Page 263

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 local government legislation means-- 1 (a) the following Acts-- 2 (i) the City of Brisbane Act 1924; 3 (ii) the Local Government Act 2009; or 4 (b) an Act prescribed under a regulation.'. 5 Public Service Act 2008 6 1 Section 24(2)(b),`Local Government Act 1993, section 7 592'-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `Local Government Act 2009'. 10 2 Schedule 2, from `Local Government' to `review 11 commissioner'-- 12 omit, insert-- 13 `Local Government Act 2009 14 · a member of the change commission'. 15 Queensland Competition Authority Act 1997 16 1 Schedule-- 17 insert-- 18 `Local Government Act means the Local Government Act 19 2009.'. 20 Page 264

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 2 Schedule, definition local government Minister, `Local 1 Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act'. 4 3 Schedule, definition local government owned 5 corporation, `Local Government Act 1993, chapter 8, part 6 7'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `Local Government Act'. 9 4 Schedule, definition significant business activity, 10 paragraph (a)-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `(a) for part 3--a significant business entity of a local 13 government under the Local Government Act; or'. 14 Queensland Treasury Corporation Act 1988 15 1 Section 19AAA, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 16 omit, insert-- 17 `Local Government Act 2009'. 18 Racing Venues Development Act 1982 19 1 Section 32, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 20 omit, insert-- 21 `Local Government Act 2009'. 22 Page 265

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Registration of Plans (H.S.P. (Nominees) Pty. Limited) 1 Enabling Act 1980 2 1 Section 4, definition road, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `Local Government Act 2009'. 5 Registration of Plans (Stage 2) (H.S.P. (Nominees) Pty. 6 Limited) Enabling Act 1984 7 1 Section 3, definition road, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `Local Government Act 2009'. 10 Residential Tenancies Act 1994 11 1 Section 251(1)(a)(i)-- 12 omit, insert-- 13 `(i) an indigenous local government, other than an 14 indigenous regional council, under the Local 15 Government Act 2009; or'. 16 2 Section 252(1)(a)(i), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `Local Government Act 2009'. 19 Page 266

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 River Improvement Trust Act 1940 1 1 Section 5(8), from `Local Government Act' to `applies'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009, chapter 6, part 2, division 5 applies'. 4 2 Section 14(2A), `joint local government under the Local 5 Government Act 1993'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `local government under the Local Government Act 2009'. 8 3 Section 14(2A), second occurrence, (4), (5) and (6), `Local 9 Government Act 1993'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `Local Government Act 2009'. 12 Sanctuary Cove Resort Act 1985 13 1 Section 4, definition Albert Shire Council, `Local 14 Government Act 1993'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `Local Government Act 2009'. 17 2 Section 5(3), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `Local Government Act 2009'. 20 Page 267

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 South Bank Corporation Act 1989 1 1 Sections 17(3), 18(2), 92(2), 100(1), and schedule 4, item 2 64(1), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `Local Government Act 2009'. 5 South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) Act 6 2007 7 1 Section 65(3)(b)-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `(b) the Esk-Gatton-Laidley Water Board is a water entity 10 until it ceases to exist;'. 11 2 Schedule 1, entry for Caloundra-Maroochy Water Supply 12 Board-- 13 omit. 14 3 Schedule 3, definition Caloundra-Maroochy Water 15 Supply Board-- 16 omit. 17 4 Schedule 3, definition Esk-Gatton-Laidley Water Board, 18 `joint'-- 19 omit. 20 Page 268

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Sugar Industry Act 1999 1 1 Section 75(2)(a), `Local Government Act 1993, section 2 919'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `Local Government Act 2009, section 60'. 5 Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 6 1 Section 19(1), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `Local Government Act 2009'. 9 Townsville Breakwater Entertainment Centre Act 1991 10 1 Section 8, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `Local Government Act 2009'. 13 Townsville City Council (Douglas Land Development) 14 Act 1993 15 1 Section 32, `section 27 of the Local Government Act 16 1936'-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `the Local Government Act 2009'. 19 Page 269

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 1 1 Section 89, `Local Government Act 1993'-- 2 omit, insert-- 3 `Local Government Act 2009'. 4 2 Sections 105ZA, 359(5) and 462(a), `Local Government 5 Act 1993'-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `Local Government Act 2009'. 8 3 Section 303C, hdg, `Local Government Act 1993, section 9 901'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `Local Government Act 2009, section 60'. 12 4 Section 303C(1), `Local Government Act 1993, section 13 901'-- 14 omit, insert-- 15 `Local Government Act 2009, section 60'. 16 5 Sections 307, 358(5)(b), 359(7)(a), 362(2)(a) and 377(3)(a), 17 `Local Government Act 1993, section 901(1)'-- 18 omit, insert-- 19 `Local Government Act 2009, section 60'. 20 6 Section 359(8), `taking the necessary steps mentioned in 21 the Local Government Act 1993, section 901(2)'-- 22 omit, insert-- 23 `acting under the Local Government Act 2009, section 60'. 24 Page 270

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1 1995 2 1 Section 182(2), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 3 omit, insert-- 4 `Local Government Act 2009'. 5 Urban Land Development Authority Act 2007 6 1 Sections 12(4), 20(1)(a) and heading, `Local Government 7 Act 1993'-- 8 omit, insert-- 9 `Local Government Act 2009'. 10 2 Section 101(9), `Local Government Act 1993, section 11 957'-- 12 omit, insert-- 13 `Local Government Act 2009'. 14 3 Section 103(2), `Local Government Act 1993, sections 15 1063, 1070 and 1071'-- 16 omit, insert-- 17 `Local Government Act 2009, sections 144, 146 and 147'. 18 4 Section 129(2), `Local Government Act 1993, section 19 921'-- 20 omit, insert-- 21 `Local Government Act 2009, section 74'. 22 Page 271

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 Valuation of Land Act 1944 1 1 Section 2, definitions area, NPARC and TSIRC-- 2 omit. 3 2 Section 2-- 4 insert-- 5 `area means a local government area, other than a local 6 government area for an indigenous local government under 7 the Local Government Act 2009.'. 8 3 Sections 29A(1), 30(1)(a), 72(1)(b), 82(2)(d) and 9 101A(7)(c), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 10 omit, insert-- 11 `Local Government Act 2009'. 12 Vegetation Management Act 1999 13 1 Section 7(3) and (4), `Local Government Act 1993, section 14 31'-- 15 omit, insert-- 16 `Local Government Act 2009, section 27'. 17 Water Act 2000 18 1 Section 26(8)(d)-- 19 omit, insert-- 20 Page 272

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 `(d) if a permit for a levee bank construction under the Local 1 Government Act 2009 is required for the works--the 2 permit has been issued; and'. 3 2 Section 206(3)(b)(iv), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 4 omit, insert-- 5 `Local Government Act 2009'. 6 3 Section 605(3), `Local Government Act 1993'-- 7 omit, insert-- 8 `Local Government Act 2009'. 9 Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 10 1 Section 138(3)-- 11 omit, insert-- 12 `(3) This section applies despite the requirements for levying rates 13 under the Local Government Act.'. 14 2 Section 139(3), `, section 963'-- 15 omit. 16 3 Section 141(4)(a)(i)-- 17 omit, insert-- 18 `(i) the local government includes the information 19 mentioned in section 142 in its annual report 20 prepared under the Local Government Act; and'. 21 Page 273

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 1 4 Schedule 3, definition Local Government Act-- 1 omit, insert-- 2 `Local Government Act means the Local Government Act 3 2009.'. 4 Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994 5 1 Schedule 6, definition corporatised corporation-- 6 omit, insert-- 7 `corporatised corporation means a corporate entity under the 8 Local Government Act 2009.'. 9 Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 10 1 Schedule 6, definition councillor, `Local Government Act 11 1993'-- 12 omit, insert-- 13 `Local Government Act 2009'. 14 Page 274

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 2 Schedule 2 Comparative terms for the 1 Brisbane City Council 2 section 5 3 column 1 column 2 term used in this Act term used in the City of Brisbane Act 1924 a local government the Brisbane City Council a local government area the City of Brisbane a division of a local government a ward of the City of Brisbane area the operating fund of a local the City Fund government a quadrennial election a quadrennial election under the City of Brisbane Act 1924 an election an election under the City of Brisbane Act 1924 a councillor the mayor and councillors of the Brisbane City Council a by-election a separate election to fill a vacancy in the office of mayor or other councillor of the Brisbane City Council an annual report of a local an annual report of the Brisbane City government Council Page 275

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 2 the public office of a local the premises kept by the Brisbane government City Council as its public office and any place the council has, by resolution or under a local law, declared to be its public office for a stated matter Page 276

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 Schedule 3 Dictionary 1 section 6 2 1936 Act means the repealed Local Government Act 1936. 3 1993 Act means the repealed Local Government Act 1993. 4 adopt, by a local government, means adopt by resolution of 5 the local government. 6 advisor see section 117. 7 ancillary works and encroachments means-- 8 (a) cellars; or 9 (b) gates; or 10 (c) temporary rock anchors for building support; or 11 (d) ancillary works and encroachments under the Transport 12 Infrastructure Act. 13 anti-competitive provision means a provision that a regulation 14 identifies as creating barriers to-- 15 (a) entry to a market; or 16 (b) competition within a market. 17 appropriately qualified, in relation to a delegated power, 18 includes having the qualifications, experience or standing to 19 exercise the power. 20 Example of standing-- 21 a person's classification level in the public service 22 approved form see section 266. 23 approved inspection program see section 133(2). 24 auditor-general means the Queensland Auditor-General 25 under the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977. 26 authorised person means a person who holds office under 27 section 202. 28 Page 277

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 beginning of the local government's term see section 161(3). 1 beneficial enterprise see section 39. 2 Building Act means the Building Act 1975. 3 building certifying activity see section 47(4). 4 building unit means a lot under-- 5 (a) the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 6 1997; or 7 (b) the Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980; or 8 (c) the Integrated Resort Development Act 1987; or 9 (d) the Mixed Use Development Act 1993; or 10 (e) another Act prescribed under a regulation. 11 business unit, of a local government, is a part of the local 12 government that conducts a business activity of the local 13 government. 14 change commission see section 22. 15 chief executive officer means a person who holds an 16 appointment under section 194. 17 code of competitive conduct see section 47. 18 commercialisation, of a significant business activity, see 19 section 44(2). 20 Commonwealth Super Act means the Superannuation 21 Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cwlth). 22 community forum see section 87(2). 23 conclusion, of the election of a councillor, means the day-- 24 (a) if the election is to the Brisbane City Council-- 25 (i) for a quadrennial election--when the names of all 26 elected candidates are published in the gazette; or 27 (ii) for a by-election (whether or not a poll is 28 conducted)--when the name of the elected 29 candidate is published in the gazette; or 30 (b) if the election is to another local government-- 31 Page 278

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 (i) for an election of all the councillors--when the last 1 declaration of a poll conducted in the election is 2 displayed in the local government's public office; 3 or 4 (ii) for a by-election when a poll is conducted--when 5 the declaration of the poll is displayed in the local 6 government's public office; or 7 (iii) for a by-election when no poll is conducted--after 8 the nomination day for the by-election; or 9 (iv) if the councillor is automatically elected (other 10 than at a by-election) and a poll is conducted--the 11 day on which the last declaration of a poll is 12 displayed in the local government's public office; 13 or 14 (v) if the councillor is automatically elected (other 15 than at a by-election) and no poll is 16 conducted--6p.m. on the day when a poll would 17 otherwise have been required to be conducted. 18 conflict of interest see section 173(3). 19 consolidated version, of a local law, see section 32. 20 contractor, of a local government, means-- 21 (a) a person who provides services under a contract with the 22 local government; or 23 (b) a person prescribed under a regulation. 24 conviction includes a finding of guilt, and the acceptance of a 25 plea of guilty, by a court, whether or not a conviction is 26 recorded. 27 corporate entity means an entity that has been corporatised 28 under this Act. 29 corporatisation, of a significant business activity, see section 30 44. 31 cost-recovery fee see section 97(2). 32 councillor, of a local government, includes the mayor. 33 court means a court of competent jurisdiction. 34 Page 279

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 Crime and Misconduct Act means the Crime and Misconduct 1 Act 2001. 2 department's chief executive means the chief executive of the 3 department. 4 deputy electoral commissioner means the deputy electoral 5 commissioner under the Electoral Act. 6 distribute a how-to-vote card-- 7 (a) includes make the card available to other persons; but 8 (b) does not include merely display the card. 9 Examples-- 10 1 A person distributes how-to-vote cards if the person hands the cards 11 to other persons or leaves them at a place for other persons to take 12 away. 13 2 A person does not distribute how-to-vote cards if the person 14 attaches the cards to walls and other structures, merely for display. 15 division, of a local government area, see section 8(3). 16 drafting certificate, for a local law, means a certificate signed 17 by the chief executive officer stating the local law was drafted 18 in accordance with the drafting standards prescribed under a 19 regulation. 20 elect includes re-elect. 21 elector means a person entitled to vote in an election of 22 councillors. 23 Electoral Act means the Electoral Act 1992. 24 electoral commission means the Electoral Commission of 25 Queensland under the Electoral Act. 26 electoral commissioner means the electoral commissioner 27 under the Electoral Act. 28 encumbrance includes any of the following that affects 29 land-- 30 (a) a mortgage, lien or charge; 31 (b) a caveat; 32 (c) an agreement; 33 Page 280

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 (d) a judgement, writ or process; 1 (e) an interest adverse to the interest of the land's owner; 2 but does not include an easement. 3 establish, a superannuation scheme, includes join in 4 establishing a superannuation scheme. 5 expired conviction means a conviction-- 6 (a) for which the rehabilitation period under the Criminal 7 Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 has expired; 8 and 9 (b) that is not revived as prescribed by section 11 of that 10 Act. 11 final part of the local government's term see section 161(5). 12 financial controller see section 118. 13 financial management documents see section 104. 14 Forestry Act means the Forestry Act 1959. 15 fresh election means an election of all the councillors of a 16 local government that is not a quadrennial election. 17 full cost pricing, of a significant business activity, see section 18 44(4). 19 full-time government job see section 168(3). 20 government entity has the same meaning as in the 21 Government Owned Corporations Act 1993. 22 grants commission see section 228(1). 23 head of a local government means-- 24 (a) if the local government is constituted by its 25 councillors--the mayor; or 26 (b) if the local government is constituted by its chief 27 executive officer--the chief executive officer; or 28 (c) if the local government is constituted by an interim 29 administrator--the interim administrator. 30 Page 281

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 home includes-- 1 (a) a room in a boarding house; and 2 (b) a caravan; and 3 (c) a manufactured home within the meaning of the 4 Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003, 5 section 10. 6 Housing Act contract means a contract of sale-- 7 (a) that was entered into under-- 8 (i) the State Housing Act 1945, section 24, before the 9 repeal of that Act; or 10 (ii) the Housing Act 2003, section 113; or 11 (b) under which-- 12 (i) the purchase price, other than the deposit, is 13 payable in 2 or more instalments; or 14 (ii) the sale is of a share in a house and land. 15 how-to-vote card means-- 16 (a) a card, handbill or pamphlet, relating to an election for 17 which optional-preferential voting applies, that-- 18 (i) is or includes a representation of a ballot paper or 19 part of a ballot paper; or 20 (ii) is or includes something apparently intended to 21 represent a ballot paper or part of a ballot paper; or 22 (iii) lists the names of any or all of the candidates for 23 the election with a number indicating an order of 24 voting preference against the names of any or all of 25 the candidates; or 26 (iv) otherwise directs or encourages the casting of 27 preference votes, other than first preference votes, 28 in a particular way; or 29 (b) a card, handbill or pamphlet, relating to an election for 30 which first-past-the-post voting applies, that-- 31 Page 282

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 (i) is or includes a representation of a ballot paper or 1 part of a ballot paper; or 2 (ii) is or includes something apparently intended to 3 represent a ballot paper or part of a ballot paper; or 4 (iii) directs or encourages the casting of a vote for a 5 number of particular candidates equal to the 6 number of candidates to be elected. 7 identity card of a person means a card that-- 8 (a) identifies the person as an authorised person or local 9 government worker; and 10 (b) contains a recent photo of the person; and 11 (c) contains a copy of the person's signature; and 12 (d) states the expiry date for the identity card. 13 inappropriate conduct see section 176(4). 14 indigenous local government means-- 15 (a) the local government for the following local government 16 areas-- 17 · Cherbourg 18 · Doomadgee 19 · Hope Vale 20 · Kowanyama 21 · Lockhart River 22 · Mapoon 23 · Napranum 24 · Palm Island 25 · Pormpuraaw 26 · Woorabinda 27 · Wujal Wujal 28 · Yarrabah; or 29 (b) an indigenous regional council. 30 Page 283

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 indigenous regional council see section 81(2). 1 industrial instrument means an industrial instrument under 2 the Industrial Relations Act. 3 Industrial Relations Act means the Industrial Relations Act 4 1999. 5 interim development control provision means an interim 6 development control provision that continues to have effect 7 under the Planning Act, section 6.1.12. 8 interim local law see section 26(4). 9 joint government activity see section 10(2). 10 judicial review is a review under the Judicial Review Act. 11 Judicial Review Act is the Judicial Review Act 1991. 12 land includes-- 13 (a) freehold land; and 14 (b) land held from the State for a leasehold interest; and 15 (c) a mining claim. 16 Land Act means the Land Act 1994. 17 Land Title Act means the Land Title Act 1994. 18 LG super scheme means the Local Government 19 Superannuation Scheme continued in existence under section 20 217. 21 local government see section 8(1). 22 Local Government Act means a law under which a local 23 government performs the local government's responsibilities, 24 including for example-- 25 (a) this Act; and 26 (b) a local law; and 27 (c) the Planning Act; and 28 (d) a planning scheme, and an interim development control 29 provision, under the Planning Act; and 30 (e) the Plumbing and Drainage Act; and 31 Page 284

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 (f) the Water Act 2000; and 1 (g) the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. 2 local government area see section 8(2). 3 local government change see section 17(2). 4 Local Government Electoral Act means the Act that replaces 5 the provisions relating to local government elections in the 6 1993 Act. 7 local government employee means-- 8 (a) the chief executive officer; or 9 (b) a person holding an appointment under section 196. 10 local government entity see section 216(3). 11 Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act means the 12 Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995 (Cwlth). 13 local government principles means the principles expressed 14 in the form of outcomes set out in section 4(2). 15 local government worker see section 138(6). 16 local law see section 26(2). 17 long-term asset management plan see section 104(6). 18 long-term community plan see section 104(4). 19 long-term financial plan see section 104(5). 20 material personal interest see section 172(2). 21 middle of the local government's term see section 161(4). 22 mining claim means a mining claim to which the Mineral 23 Resources Act 1989 applies. 24 misconduct see section 176(3). 25 model local law see section 26(8). 26 National Competition Policy Agreements means the 27 following agreements (made between the Commonwealth and 28 the States on 11 April 1995), as in force for the time being-- 29 (a) the Conduct Code Agreement; 30 Page 285

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 (b) the Competition Principles Agreement; 1 (c) the Agreement to Implement National Competition 2 Policy and Related Reforms. 3 notice of intention to acquire land see section 61(2). 4 occupier, of property, see section 125(6). 5 ordinary business matter, in relation to a person, is-- 6 (a) the remuneration of councillors or members of a local 7 government committee; or 8 (b) the provision of superannuation entitlements or accident 9 insurance for councillors or local government 10 employees; or 11 (c) the terms on which goods, services or facilities are to be 12 offered by the local government for use or enjoyment of 13 the public in the local government area; or 14 (d) the making or levying of rates and charges, or the fixing 15 of a cost-recovery fee, by the local government; or 16 (e) a planning scheme of general application in the local 17 government area; or 18 (f) a matter that is of interest to a person merely as-- 19 (i) an employee of the State or a government entity; or 20 (ii) an elector, ratepayer or resident of the local 21 government area; or 22 (iii) a beneficiary under a policy of accident insurance, 23 public liability or professional indemnity insurance 24 held, or to be held, by the local government; or 25 (iv) a user of goods, services or facilities supplied, or to 26 be supplied, by the local government (whether 27 under a contract or otherwise) as a member of the 28 public in common with other members of the 29 public; or 30 (v) a candidate for election or appointment as a mayor, 31 deputy mayor or member of a committee of the 32 local government. 33 Page 286

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 overall State interest is-- 1 (a) an interest that the Minister considers affects the 2 economic, environmental or social interest of all or part 3 of the State; or 4 (b) an interest that the Minister considers affects the interest 5 of ensuring there is an accountable, effective, and 6 efficient system of local government; or 7 (c) an interest prescribed under a regulation. 8 owner of land-- 9 (a) means-- 10 (i) a registered proprietor of freehold land; or 11 (ii) a purchaser of freehold land from the State under 12 an Act; or 13 (iii) a purchaser of land under a Housing Act contract; 14 or 15 (iv) a person who has a share in land that the person 16 bought under a Housing Act contract; or 17 (v) a lessee of land held from the State, and a manager, 18 overseer or superintendent of the lessee who lives 19 on the land; or 20 (vi) the holder of a mining claim or lease; or 21 (vii) the holder of land mentioned in the Mineral 22 Resources Act 1989, schedule, definition owner; or 23 (viii) a lessee under the Petroleum Act 1923 or the 24 Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 25 2004; or 26 (ix) a lessee of land held from a government entity or 27 local government; or 28 (x) the holder of an occupation permit or stock grazing 29 permit under the Forestry Act or of a permit 30 prescribed under a regulation; or 31 Page 287

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 (xi) the holder of a permission to occupy from the chief 1 executive of the department responsible for the 2 administration of the Forestry Act; or 3 (xii) the holder of a permit to occupy under the Land 4 Act; or 5 (xiii) a licensee under the Land Act; or 6 (xiv) for land on which there is a structure subject to a 7 time share scheme--the person notified to the local 8 government concerned as the person responsible 9 for the administration of the scheme as between the 10 participants in the scheme; or 11 (xv) another person who is entitled to receive rent for 12 the land; or 13 (xvi) another person who would be entitled to receive 14 rent for the land if it were leased at a full 15 commercial rent; but 16 (b) does not include the State, or a government entity, 17 except as far as the State or government entity is liable 18 under an Act to pay rates. 19 Planning Act means the Integrated Planning Act 1997. 20 planning and accountability documents see section 104(3). 21 Planning and Environment Court see the Planning Act. 22 planning scheme has the meaning given in the Planning Act, 23 section 2.1.1. 24 Plumbing and Drainage Act means the Plumbing and 25 Drainage Act 2002. 26 political party means an organisation registered as a political 27 party under the Electoral Act. 28 private property see section 125(4). 29 private sector means an entity that is not-- 30 (a) the Commonwealth or a State; or 31 (b) a State authority; or 32 (c) a local government. 33 Page 288

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 property means land, any structure on the land, and a vehicle. 1 public office, of a local government, see section 261. 2 public place see section 125(5). 3 public thoroughfare easement is an easement created 4 under-- 5 (a) the Land Act, chapter 6, part 4, division 8; or 6 (b) the Land Title Act, part 6, division 4. 7 public utilities means-- 8 (a) works for the supply of drainage, electricity, gas, 9 sewerage, telecommunications or water; or 10 (b) works for an infrastructure corridor under the State 11 Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971, 12 section 82; or 13 (c) works for a purpose mentioned in the State Development 14 and Public Works Organisation Act 1971, section 125; 15 or 16 (d) other works that is declared under a regulation to be a 17 public utility. 18 quadrennial election means the election for local 19 governments that is held in 2012, and every fourth year after 20 2012. 21 rateable land see section 93(2). 22 rates includes any interest accrued, or premium owing, on the 23 rates. 24 reasonable proportion of electors see section 15(2). 25 regional conduct review panel see section 176(7). 26 registered officer, of a political party, means the registered 27 officer of the political party under the Electoral Act. 28 registrar of titles means the public authority responsible for 29 registering title to land and dealings affecting land. 30 remedial action see section 113(2). 31 remedial notice see section 138(2). 32 Page 289

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 remuneration category means a remuneration category 1 prescribed under a regulation. 2 resolution, of a local government, means the formal decision 3 of the local government at a local government meeting. 4 responsibility includes a function. 5 reward does not include-- 6 (a) a councillor's remuneration as a councillor; or 7 (b) an amount decided under the deed under the 8 Superannuation (State Public Sector) Act 1990 in 9 relation to a transferring member within the meaning of 10 section 32A of that Act; or 11 (c) reasonable expenses actually incurred for any 1 or more 12 of the following-- 13 (i) accommodation; 14 (ii) meals; 15 (iii) domestic air travel; 16 (iv) taxi fares or public transport charges; 17 (v) motor vehicle hire; or 18 (d) an amount paid as a pension or otherwise for past 19 service in a full-time government job. 20 road see section 59(2). 21 roads activity see section 47(5). 22 sanitary drain-- 23 (a) means a drain that is immediately connected to, and 24 used to carry discharges from, a soil or waste pipe; but 25 (b) does not include a pipe that is a part of a drain for 26 carrying off effluent from a property after treatment in 27 an on-site sewerage facility. 28 sewerage treatment system means the infrastructure used to 29 receive, transport and treat sewage or effluent (including 30 sewers, access chambers, machinery, outfalls, pumps, 31 structures and vents, for example). 32 Page 290

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 Schedule 3 sign, a thing, includes the making of a mark on the thing in 1 front of someone else who signs the thing as witness. 2 significant business activity see section 43(4). 3 State-controlled road has the meaning given in the Transport 4 Infrastructure Act. 5 State office, of the department, means the office of the 6 department at the address prescribed under a regulation. 7 Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act means the 8 Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982. 9 stormwater drain see section 76(2). 10 stormwater installation see section 76(3). 11 structure means anything that is built or constructed, whether 12 or not it is attached to land. 13 subordinate local law see section 26(5). 14 super board see section 208. 15 sustainable development is development that is designed to 16 meet present needs while also taking into account future costs 17 (including costs to the environment and the depletion of 18 natural resources, for example). 19 time share scheme, for a structure, means a scheme that is to 20 operate for at least 3 years during which time the participants 21 in the scheme are, or may become, entitled to use, occupy or 22 possess the structure, or part of the structure, for 2 or more 23 periods. 24 Transport Infrastructure Act means the Transport 25 Infrastructure Act 1994. 26 tribunal see section 183. 27 trust deed means a trust deed made by the super board. 28 trustee council see section 82(2). 29 trust land see section 82(3). 30 Page 291

 


 

© State of Queensland 2009

 


 

AMENDMENTS TO BILL

Local Government Bill 2009 Local Government Bill 2009 Amendments agreed to during Consideration 1 Clause 2 (Commencement)-- At page 18, lines 6 to 8-- omit, insert-- `(1) Amendments 20 and 21 of the Local Government Act 1993 in schedule 1 commence on assent. `(2) The following provisions commence immediately before the repeal of the Local Government Act 1993 under section 287-- (a) section 283A; (b) the remaining amendments of the Local Government Act 1993 in schedule 1; (c) schedule 1A. `(3) Chapter 9, part 1 commences on 1 July 2009. `(4) The remaining provisions of the Act commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation.'. 2 Clause 12 (Responsibilities of councillors)-- At page 23, line 30-- omit, insert-- `government's performance; (e) complying with the Queensland Contact with Lobbyists Code.'. 3 Clause 13 (Responsibilities of local government employees)-- At page 25, line 30, after `Ethics Act 1994'-- insert-- Page 1

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 `(including the Queensland Contact with Lobbyists Code, for example)'. 4 Clause 17 (What this part is about)-- At page 28, line 18-- omit, insert-- `(d) the name of a local government area; or (e) the classification of a local government area (from a town to a city, for example).'. 5 Clause 95 (Overdue rates are a charge over land)-- At page 91, line 18, after `Overdue rates'-- insert-- `and charges'. 6 Clause 95 (Overdue rates are a charge over land)-- At page 91, lines 20, 21 and 28, and page 92, lines 6, 11 and 13, after `overdue rates'-- insert-- `and charges'. 7 Clause 96 (Regulations for rates and charges)-- At page 92, lines 20 and 21, after `rates'-- insert-- `and charges'. 8 Clause 105 (Auditing, including internal auditing)-- At page 99, line 8-- omit, insert-- `Financial Accountability Act 2009.'. Page 2

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 9 Clause 217 (LG super scheme)-- At page 185, after line 11-- insert-- `(3) In particular, the trust deed must provide for-- (a) the yearly contribution that a local government must make for a permanent employee, based on the advice of an actuary; and (b) the terms and conditions on which the super board must obtain advice from an actuary in relation to the funds that the super board administers. `(4) An actuary is an accredited member, or a fellow, of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.'. 10 Clause 220 (Amount of compulsory contributions)-- At page 188, lines 1 to 34, and page 189, lines 1 to 14-- omit, insert-- `220 Amount of compulsory contributions `(1) The yearly contribution that a local government must make for a permanent employee is the amount stated, from time to time, in the trust deed. `(2) The yearly contribution is taken to include any contributions that are required to be made under an industrial instrument. `(3) The local government need not pay an amount as a contribution to the extent that the amount can not be accepted by a regulated superannuation fund under the Commonwealth Super Act. Editor's note-- See the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (Cwlth), regulation 7.04. `(4) The local government must pay the yearly contribution within the time stated in the trust deed. `(5) The permanent employee must also make a yearly contribution calculated at the following rate-- Page 3

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 (a) if the employee is a special permanent employee--5% of the employee's salary under the trust deed; (b) if the employee is a standard permanent employee--6% of the employee's salary under the trust deed. `(6) A special permanent employee is a permanent employee who, immediately before 1 July 1995, was required to make superannuation contributions under the repealed Local Government Superannuation Act 1985 at the rate of 5% of the employee's salary under the trust deed. `(7) A standard permanent employee is a permanent employee who-- (a) immediately before 1 July 1995, was required to make superannuation contributions under the repealed Local Government Superannuation Act 1985 at the rate of 6% of the employee's salary under the trust deed; or (b) immediately before the repeal of the Local Government (Community Government Areas) Act 2004, was a permanent employee of a community government under that Act; or (c) started employment on or after 1 July 1995. `(8) A permanent employee need not make the yearly contribution under subsection (5) if the local government makes the contribution, in accordance with the employee's remuneration agreement, as well as the yearly contribution that the local government is required to make under this Act.'. 11 Clause 231 (Members of grants commission)-- At page 194, lines 16 and 17-- omit, insert-- `(b) at least 1 member has knowledge of local government in relation to local government areas of indigenous regional councils and other indigenous local governments; and (c) the other members have knowledge of local government.'. Page 4

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 12 After clause 283 (Continuation of instruments to implement reform)-- At page 217, after line 17-- insert-- `283A Continuation of electoral and related provisions `(1) Schedule 1A contains provisions of the 1993 Act about local government elections. `(2) The Local Government (Community Forums) Regulation 2008 continues in force. `(3) This section and schedule 1A expire on 31 December 2010.'. 13 After clause 307 (Amendment of s 112 (Additional entry powers for particular dogs))-- At page 226, after line 5-- insert-- `307A Amendment of s 130 (Return of dog if not regulated dog) `(1) Section 130, heading, `dog if not regulated'-- omit, insert-- `particular'. `(2) Section 130(1)(a), from `person' to `; and'-- omit, insert-- `person-- (i) reasonably suspected it was a regulated dog; or (ii) considers a proposed declaration notice should be given for the dog; and'. `(3) Section 130(1)(b), `regulated dog'-- omit, insert-- `dog mentioned in paragraph (a)'.'. Page 5

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 14 Clause 308 (Amendment of s 131 (Return of regulated dog to registered owner))-- At page 226, lines 8 to 10-- omit, insert-- `(1) Section 131, heading, `regulated'-- omit, insert-- `particular'. `(2) Section 131(1), after `regulated dog'-- insert-- `, or a dog for which a proposed declaration notice is being made,'. `(3) Section 131(2)(d), from `if--' to `applying for the dog.'-- omit, insert-- `if the dog is a regulated dog--the authorised person is reasonably satisfied the owner of or a responsible person for the dog has not complied with a permit condition for the dog.'. `(4) Section 131(2)-- insert-- `(e) if the dog is a dog for which a proposed declaration notice is being made--a regulated dog declaration for the dog has not yet been made.'. `(5) Section 131(3)(c), `subsection (2)(d)(ii)'-- omit, insert-- `subsection (2)(d)'. `(6) Section 131(3)-- insert-- `(d) if subsection (2)(e) applies--the regulated dog declaration for the dog has been made.'.' Page 6

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 15 Clause 318 (Replacement of ss 195 and 196)-- (1) At page 229, lines 24 and 25, `complainant'-- omit, insert-- `defendant'. (2) At page 229, line 26, `complainant's'-- omit, insert-- `defendant's'. 16 After clause 325 (Insertion of new ss 217A and 217B)-- At page 233, after line 14-- insert-- `325A Insertion of new s 221A Chapter 10-- insert-- `221A References to address of place stated in registration notice for cat or dog `(1) This section applies to a local government, other than a designated local government, until the deferred date. `(2) A reference in this Act to the address of the place stated in the registration notice for a cat or dog is taken to be a reference to the place where the cat or dog is usually kept or proposed to kept.'.'. 17 Clause 327 (Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary))-- At page 235, after line 19-- insert-- `(3A) Schedule 2, definition authorised implanter, after `regulation'-- insert-- `or approved by the chief executive'.'. Page 7

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 18 Schedule 1 (Acts amended)-- At page 242, after line 17-- insert-- `1A Section 109B(2)(c)-- omit, insert-- `(c) if the council fixes a cost-recovery fee for the financial year--the criteria used to decide the amount of all cost-recovery fees fixed for the year.'.'. 19 Schedule 1 (Acts amended)-- At page 243, line 12, `regulatory'-- omit, insert-- `cost-recovery'. 20 Schedule 1 (Acts amended)-- At page 247, lines 18 to 20-- omit. 21 Schedule 1 (Acts amended)-- At page 257, after line 14-- insert-- `Local Government Act 1993 `1 Section 5-- relocate to the Local Government Act 2009, and in that Act insert in schedule 1A as section 5. `2 Section 7(1)(a)-- omit. Page 8

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 `3 Section 7-- relocate to the Local Government Act 2009, and in that Act insert in schedule 1A as section 7. `4 Section 298(1), `chapter 4, part 1, division 2'-- omit, insert-- `sections 152 to 156 of the Act'. `5 Section 353(1)-- omit, insert-- `(1) This section applies if, under section 326, separate ballot papers are used in polls for elections of the mayor and another councillor conducted on the same day.'. `6 Section 408(1), `section 164(1)'-- omit, insert-- `section 123 of the Act'. `7 Section 408(2), `reviewable local government matter under chapter 3, part 1'-- omit, insert-- `local government change under chapter 2, part 3 of the Act'. `8 Section 408(3)-- omit. `9 Section 427(3)(a), `under section 242(1)(a)'-- omit, insert-- `, in the approved form, to the chief executive officer before making the declaration of office under section 169 of the Act,'. Page 9

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 `10 Section 427A(3)(a), `under section 242(1)(a)'-- omit, insert-- `, in the approved form, to the chief executive officer before making the declaration of office under section 169 of the Act,'. `11 Section 429(3)(b), `section 222'-- omit, insert-- `section 153 of the Act'. `12 Section 433(2)(a), `or section 242'-- omit. `13 Section 436(3), `or section 242'-- omit. `14 Section 440(2), `section 222'-- omit, insert-- `section 153 of the Act'. `15 Section 441D(5)-- omit. `16 Chapter 5, parts 1 to 4 (sections 266 to 283)-- relocate to the Local Government Act 2009, and in that Act insert in schedule 1A as chapter 5, parts 1 to 4 (sections 266 to 283). Page 10

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 `17 Chapter 5, parts 6 to 9 (sections 289 to 441F)-- relocate to the Local Government Act 2009, and in that Act insert in schedule 1A as chapter 5, parts 6 to 9 (sections 289 to 441F). `18 Section 1077A(2)-- omit, insert-- `(2) Section 242 of the Act does not apply to this section.'. `19 Section 1077A-- relocate to the Local Government Act 2009, and in that Act insert in schedule 1A as section 1077A. `20 Section 1180-- insert-- `(4) Without limiting subsection (2), the trust deed must provide for-- (a) the yearly contribution that a local government must make for a permanent employee, based on the advice of an actuary; and (b) the terms and conditions on which the super board must obtain advice from an actuary in relation to the funds that the super board administers. `(5) An actuary is an accredited member, or a fellow, of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.'. `21 Section 1182(2)-- omit, insert-- `(2) The yearly contribution that the local government must make is the amount stated, from time to time, in the trust deed.'. Page 11

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 `22 Schedule 2, definition area-- omit, insert-- `area means a local government area.'. `23 Schedule 2, definition code of conduct-- omit, insert-- `code of conduct see section 441B.'. `24 Schedule 2, definition returning officer-- omit, insert-- `returning officer means-- (a) the chief executive officer; or (b) a person appointed under a regulation as a returning officer.'. `25 Schedule 2, definitions area, code of conduct, commissioner, conclusion, continuing candidate, cut off day, declaration envelope, declaration form, declaration vote, declaration voter, distribute, division, elect, election, election matter, election period, elector, electoral commission, electoral officer, electoral paper, electoral roll, exhausted ballot paper, fresh election, how-to-vote card, infringement notice, infringement notice offence, institution, issuing officer, mobile polling booth, nomination day, open to inspection, ordinary polling booth, ordinary voting hours, place, political party, polling booth, polling day, postal ballot election, returning officer, voters roll and voting hours-- relocate to the Local Government Act 2009, and in that Act insert in schedule 1A, section 1, after `In this schedule--'.'. Page 12

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 22 Schedule 1 (Acts amended)-- At page 258, line 20, after `overdue rates'-- insert-- `and charges'. 23 After schedule 1-- At page 274, after line 14-- insert-- `Schedule 1A Local government elections section 283A `1 Definitions `In this schedule--'. 24 Schedule 3 (Dictionary)-- At page 278, after line 15-- insert-- `charges includes any interest accrued, or premium owing, on the charges.'. 25 Schedule 3 (Dictionary)-- At page 285, lines 5 to 7-- omit, insert-- `Local Government Electoral Act means the provisions of the 1993 Act relating to local government elections that continue in force under section 283A.'. Page 13

 


 

Local Government Bill 2009 26 Schedule 3 (Dictionary)-- At page 289, after line 21-- insert-- `Queensland Contact with Lobbyists Code means the Queensland Contact with Lobbyists Code made under the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994.'. © State of Queensland 2009

 


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