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Qld corruption reforms not enough: Greens

Debate over a string of reforms aimed at curbing local government corruption will continue in the Queensland parliament.

2 min read

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Source: AAP


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The Greens' sole representative in Queensland's parliament says a raft of proposed anti-corruption reforms do not go far enough.

Michael Berkman says both the state Labor government's plan to ban property developer donations to political parties - in a move it says will stamp out corruption - and the Liberal National Party's argument it is unfair, miss the point.

"(We want) a ban on donations for all individuals, unions and for-profits," the Brisbane-based MP told reporters on Wednesday.

"We need to see a cap on all political donations, a cap on all election spending, so that Queenslanders can have faith they're being put front and centre."

Mr Berkman has introduced a private members bill banning donations from all for-profit corporations and says there is more to come.

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"Union donations aren't covered by the definition of 'for profit corporations' that we've incorporated in this bill but that's one of the next steps I see is necessary," he added.

A ban on developer donations is among the reforms being debated in parliament, alongside other recommendations stemming from the Crime and Corruption Commission's investigation into corrupt councils.

The LNP says it will vote against the clampdown, but the state government has the numbers to get through.

Debate on the bills has dominated parliament in a week where LNP leader Deb Frecklington labelled Ms Palaszczuk the 'Premier for Fluff' for her promotion of the birth of the five millionth Queenslander and a new rugby league statue at Suncorp Stadium.

Other measures include a code of conduct for councillors that would bring them into line with MPs and government staffers, and a councillor conduct tribunal to hear and rule on misconduct allegations.


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