Redland City Council will decide next week whether to support the Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) position opposing a proposed State Government law that would automatically end a councillor’s term if they nominate for election to Queensland Parliament.
The issue arises from the Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, introduced on November 18.
Clause 62 of the bill proposes an amendment to the Local Government Act 2009 that would see councillors automatically removed from office upon nomination as a state election candidate.
The LGAQ’s current policy is that councillors should not be required to vacate their positions while campaigning. Ahead of a Special Meeting on December 17, the LGAQ is seeking member councils’ votes to determine whether this stance remains supported.
Redland Council is required to submit its vote by 5pm on that day.
A council report notes that while there are no direct financial or environmental impacts, the proposed changes could trigger costly by-elections and have personal, social, and human rights implications for councillors.
The council is expected to consider two options: voting to maintain the LGAQ’s policy, keeping councillors in office while they campaign, or voting against it, which would align with the proposed State Government amendment.
Councillors were briefed on the matter during a legal session on November 25.
The decision will be discussed at Redland Council’s December 10 meeting, giving councillors time to determine their position ahead of the LGAQ Special Meeting.
