FIXING QUEENSLAND'S "BROKEN SYSTEM" OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
* THE INVESTIGATION:
Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission released its final report into Operation Belcarra on Wednesday.
The investigation into possible local government corruption was launched in September 2016 following a string of complaints after the March 19 election.
* THE RECOMMENDATIONS:
The CCC made 31 recommendations to improve transparency and accountability during Queensland council elections.
In particular, it called for property developers to be banned from donating to candidates.
"It certainly at the very least is a hotbed for perceived corruption and that occurs when you have a lack of transparency," CCC chairperson Alan MacSporran said.
* THE FALLOUT:
ANNASTASIA PALASZCZUK
Queensland's premier has committed to banning developer donations to state and local governments. "It is a broken system which needs to be fixed," she said. Her cabinet will meet on Monday to discuss all 31 recommendations.
STUART ROBERT
The federal Liberal MP was cleared of wrongdoing after the party donated $30,000 each to staffers Kristyn Boulton and Felicity Stevenson, who ran as independent local candidates on the Gold Coast. The CCC found there was "insufficient evidence" to show they were fundraising as a group and couldn't prove Mr Robert "aided, counselled or procured" either to commit an offence.
TOM TATE
The Gold Coast mayor admitted not using a dedicated bank account during the election, but self-funded the campaign and did not receive any donations. The CCC ruled out taking any further action because it was a "systemic issue".
PAUL TULLY
The former Ipswich deputy mayor, a councillor for 37 years, may have breached local government election rules when he did not solely use a campaign bank account. The CCC also ruled out referring the matter to the Electoral Commission of Queensland because it was a "systemic issue".
LUKE SMITH
The Logan mayor remains under investigation over alleged donation disclosure errors. A company, Logan Futures, set up to direct donations and pay campaign expenses received $377,883 from dozens of property developers and businesses.
ALLAN SUTHERLAND
The Moreton Bay Regional Council mayor was cleared after concerns were raised about his advertising and fundraising practices in the lead up to the 2016 elections.
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