QLD: 2024 local government elections

[ozbob]

https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/2024-local-government-elections

The 2024 local government elections will include elections for mayors and councillors in each of Queensland's 77 councils. Election day will be on Saturday, 16 March 2024.

[ozbob]

ECQ Results > https://results.elections.qld.gov.au/2024QLGE

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> $4.35m splurged on Brisbane council election for very little change $

More than $10 million was spent on local campaigns in the Queensland council elections this year, new Electoral Commission of Queensland data shows.

Almost half of that was spent in Brisbane, Australia's largest council and the most expensive media market in the state.

In the capital – the only local government area where major political parties run tickets – $4.35 million was spent. Statewide, the figure was $10,462,257.42, according to returns lodged with the ECQ. ...

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament E-Petition

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=4172

Limit political parties or groups to a maximum of 45% of any local government outside of Brisbane

TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that in local government elections, two or more candidates can form a group to campaign together, implement common policies, and work toward shared goals if elected to council.

Candidates who form a group are also able to pool their electoral expenditure caps.

In Queensland many candidates are forming groups to run in divisions, which collectively across all divisions, if successful could control councils. In many cities like Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Ipswich, Redlands and Mt Isa there were groups in 2024 whose aim was to secure control the council. This is not proportionate to the good, fair and unbiased representation of a community.

Local government's decision making should not lend itself to be controlled by a group. Proportionate laws that interfere with rights such as political freedom must be considered to protect the democratic freedom of the entire community over and above that of political groups or entities.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all within its power to:

1. apply the proportionality formula of 45% as a rigorous tool to protect communities from control by groups; and

2. amend the local government laws to limit any party or group, outside of the Brisbane City Council, to a maximum of 45% of elected councilors in any term of the council.

[SurfRail]

Old mate clearly unhappy with his lack of electoral success in the last several years.

[aldonius]

A few years ago (when Stirling Hinchliffe was the relevant minister) the government was considering making undivided councils proportionally elected (and allowing you to run for mayor and councillor in the same). Sadly they backed away from that. But it generally would have the effect the petitioner calls for, without the need for weird laws.

The petition is particularly wacky in that it seems to be referring to divided councils without indicating a proposed mechanism to limit to 45%. Like is old mate talking about MMP or does he literally want to un-elect some councillors because their group was too successful?

Finally what's good for the goose is good for the gander - include BCC