Date published 10 October 2005
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Last reviewed 23 May 2025

This Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) public inquiry investigated allegations that Gold Coast City Councillors had breached the Local Government Act 1993 by:

  • misleading voters
  • failing to disclose election gifts
  • failing to declare material personal interests.

In the course of the Inquiry, the CMC sought public submissions on whether existing Queensland legislation sufficiently maintained the integrity of the local government electoral process.

The CMC made recommendations for improving the integrity and conduct of local government councils.

The public hearings were held over 27 days between 10 October 2005 and 15 December 2005, with final submissions on 7 February 2006. 

Summary of inquiry, findings and recommendations

The inquiry set out to investigate any alleged official misconduct relating to:

  • false or misleading statements of candidates for the Gold Coast City Council election in March 2004 with respect to details of any association with other candidates or entities
  • electoral bribery with respect to the Gold Coast City Council election in March 2004
  • returns about election gifts with respect to the Gold Coast City Council election in March 2004
  • declaring and dealing with conflicts of interest or material personal interests since the Gold Coast City Council election in March 2004
  • any criminal offence involving the performance of their functions since the Gold Coast City Council election in March 2004.

The inquiry was also required to examine the adequacy of existing legislation in relation to the conduct of local government elections and local government business, including provisions relating to:

  • misleading voters
  • electoral bribery
  • returns about election gifts
  • declaring and dealing with conflicts of interest and material personal interests by councillors.
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