The Crime and Misconduct Commission and the Local Government Association of Queensland are calling on local government candidates to conduct a “clean” campaign in the run-up to next year’s elections.
The two organisations today joined forces to launch an education campaign for the elections, which will be held on March 15.
CMC Chairperson Robert Needham said many candidates had already begun campaigning, making it timely to remind them not to misuse the CMC complaints process.
“We are warning candidates not to risk their campaign by making a false complaint to the CMC to gain political advantage,” Mr Needham said.
“Any complaints to the CMC should be made confidentially. During some previous election campaigns, some candidates announced that allegations against political opponents would be referred to the CMC ‘for investigation’.”
“Some complaints were never actually made, or if made, were found to be baseless,” Mr Needham said.
“The publicity generated by such allegations during an election campaign can be very damaging if there is not enough time to undertake an investigation before the election, even if the complaint is ultimately shown to be baseless.”
“I urge the media and the public to be cautious about any candidate who publicises the fact that they have referred an allegation to the CMC.”
LGAQ Executive Director Greg Hallam said candidates who misused the CMC complaints process could find that this tactic would backfire on them.
“There are personal consequences in setting out to damage the reputation of an opponent – you are just as likely to tarnish your own reputation,” Mr Hallam said.
“In addition, the CMC could prosecute you for making a false or frivolous complaint.
“Our message to candidates is: Don’t risk damaging your integrity in the eyes of the public. Do the right thing by your constituents and act responsibly.”
Mr Needham emphasised that the CMC was not discouraging genuine complaints.
“Any candidate or elected representative who has any concerns about serious misconduct during the campaign or at any other time, should certainly contact the CMC,” he said.
“But in the interests of fair play, they should not publicise that they have done so.
“We will in turn treat all information provided to us seriously and with discretion.”
The CMC and the LMAQ have produced a “Don’t risk your campaign” brochure, which outlines to all intending local government candidates how to run a “clean” campaign.
ENDS
