Date published 01 September 2016
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Last reviewed 14 October 2022

Following the Queensland local government elections on 19 March 2016, the CCC received complaints about the conduct of candidates for several councils, including Gold Coast, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Logan. It commenced Operation Belcarra to:

  • determine whether candidates committed offences under the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 that could constitute corrupt conduct
  • examine practices that may give rise to actual or perceived corruption, or otherwise undermine public confidence in the integrity of local government, with a view to identifying strategies or reforms to help prevent or decrease corruption risks and increase public confidence.

Between April and June 2017, the CCC conducted nine days of 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 is largely caused by a deficient legislative and regulatory framework.

The CCC has now published its final report into the matters canvassed at the public hearing. Its 31 recommendations will strengthen equity, transparency, integrity and accountability in local governments throughout Queensland. Taken together, they will create new obligations for candidates, councillors, donors and the ECQ and form the basis of a more stringent regulatory framework.

 The investigation of some allegations is still being finalised. 

Report
Operation Belcarra
Public Reports - Investigations
The CCC’s report contains 31 recommendations within a more stringent regulatory framework.

View the submissions

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Topic
CCC
Corruption
Local government
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