The document summarizes recent corruption issues in Queensland local governments and the actions taken as a result. It discusses Operation Belcarra which found widespread non-compliance in local elections and donations. This led to new transparency laws. It also discusses specific corruption cases and charges against officials in the Ipswich and Logan city councils. The document promotes voting for an independent candidate for south Cairns council who advocates for more spending on local infrastructure and services, and ending political donations to avoid conflicts of interest.

1. Authorised by Joann Pyne, 6 Gilmore Close, Bentley Park Queensland
The
RESULTS
are in!
In response to increasing concerns the Crime and
Corruption Commission (CCC) held Operation Belcarra,
which saw public hearings into issues related to
corruption and integrity in local government. The CCC
found widespread non-compliance with legislative
obligations relating to local government elections
and political donations. This non-compliance was
made worse by a deficient legislative and regulatory
framework.
As a result of Belcarra new laws have been passed in
Queensland to increase requirements for transparency
and accountability.
Much time has passed since
I raised local government
corruptionintheQueensland
Parliament. Following police
investigations Ipswich
Mayor Paul Pisasale resigned
and the whole Council
was sacked. Investigations
resulted in 15 people being
charged with 86 offences. Pisasale was later convicted
and jailed on extortion charges. More recently his
replacement Andrew Antoniolli was found guilty of
13 fraud-related charges.
In other corruption news, seven Logan councillors and
Mayor Luke Smith were charged with a number of crim-
inal offences following investigations by the Crime and
Corruption
Commission.
Logan Coun-
cil was later
sacked by Lo-
cal Govern-
ment Min-
ister Stirling
Hinchliffe.
After I raised the issue of local government corruption
and Ipswich more specifically, I was publicly vilified and
mocked by many in government and the media. The
media now say I have been vindicated. Hopefully our
laws will continue to change for the better to increase
transparency and accountability.
To avoid conflicts of interest, I am paying for my own
campaign. So I will always be able to vote at meetings
for South Cairns. People agree candidates should pay
their own way. Taking money from donors has to stop!
Locally, the Queensland Ombudsman criticised Cairns
Council’s handling of Conflicts of interest. As a result,
Councillors are now declaring a ‘Conflict of Interest’.
This means they do not vote. As voting at meetings is
the most important job a Councillor has, I believe all
candidates must cease taking donations.
The current Cairns Regional Council’s practice of
holding private “pre-meeting meetings” away from
the public was also slammed by the Queensland
Ombudsman in his report. You can read the report at:
https://bit.ly/2TzMS68
I want to thank residents for their survey feedback fol-
lowing my last newsletter. The highest rating issue for
people was ‘honesty in government’, so I have made
that the focus
of this news-
letter.
The next
most import-
ant issues for
people was a
tie between
roads and
pathways.
Operation Belcarra
An Honest Way
Corruption News
Conflicts of Interest
Edmonton Library
Logan Council Sacked
Survey Results
September 2019 | Vol 2Keeping Local Government Honest. Fighting for South Cairns
South Cairns
Newsletter

2. Itisdisappointing
to see the shade
cloth in Syd
Wheelan Park
in Arkendeith
Street has not
been replaced
for almost 3
years now. We
need to protect our little ones from the sun. I have
been talking to many people recently and they often
raise the concern that Council does not have enough
of a focus on our local area.
Give Children Shade
Edmonton, Bentley Park and Mount Sheridan are
generating increased rates (due to our growth).
However, much of this revenue is being spent on
projects in the CBD. Local people want more of our
rates returned to the southside,
as infrastructure and services.
People are also saying it is
time to say NO to campaign
donations.Theyworrypoliticians
work for their donors, not
the people. Candidates
must pay for their own
campaigns.
Cairns Regional
Councilmustimprove
the infrastructure
required to grow
Cairns and that
includes a reliable
and regular bus
service.
So many bus shelters
lack bins, lighting and even an up-to-date copy of the
current bus routes. We deserve better!
Feedback from
Division 2 residents
has resulted in
some great ideas.
One was our own
fitness trails in
South Cairns. The
current Red, Green,
Yellow and Blue
arrows are very busy. I would love tracks like this on
the southside!
Wherever I go on the Southside people are saying the
same thing, they are sick and tired of seeing all our
rates money spent in the city.
It has been interesting how many people have told me
they never go into the CBD. You can understand them
being a little upset when they feel this is where all their
rates money is going.
The Southside is growing quickly and every new house
meaning thousands more going into council revenue
as rates. We are entitled to have more of this spent in
our local area.
Better Bus ServiceSouth Cairns First
Red Arrows
Payment of Council Rates is due 31 days from the date
of issue of the rate notice. The due date is shown on
the front of your notice.
If you don’t pay your rates by the due date you will
be hit with 10 per cent interest on your outstanding
balance. With the cash rate in Australia down at 1.25
per cent, it is a bit rich for Council to hit the ratepayer
with such an unfair impost.
Local and Honest Forward
High Interest Rates
September 2019 | Vol 2Keeping Local Government Honest. Fighting for South Cairns
South Cairns
Your Answers