Complaints Against Councillors
There has been quite a bit reported in the local media recently about complaints against councillors that have been lodged with the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA).
It would seem from the nature of these complaints that most have come from within Council.
Unfortunately, the complaints process has become ‘weaponised’ in recent years with many complaints against councillors being false, vexatious or frivolous.
It is heartening that the OIA has more recently adopted a policy of only dealing with serious complaints and dismissing those that fall into the aforementioned categories.
Councillors are elected to represent the residents and ratepayers of the region.
The ‘weaponising’ of the complaints process is an attack on the fundamental principles of democracy and needs to be stopped.
Budget
Council recently adopted its 2025/26 budget.
The budget process was challenging with countless hours spent discussing ways to increase income and reduce expenditure to balance the budget.
As we know, a budget is simply a forecast of income and expenditure over the year, with the aim to ensure that expenditure does not excessively exceed income.
While a relatively small deficit has been forecast for this year’s budget, I believe that the financial future of the region is in a strong position due to anticipated population growth and further economic development.
NAIDOC Week
I enjoyed attending a number of events across NAIDOC week including, the 2025 Mununjali Family Fun Day in Jubilee Park, the launch of the Beyond the Broncos partnership between the Brisbane Broncos and Beaudesert State High School, and the Gala Dinner at the Centre.
It was great to catch up with some old school mates and former students like Derek Fogarty and Sharne Iselin (pictured) at the dinner, and hear of the contributions that they, along with many others, have made in the local community.
Congratulations and well done to all involved in this wonderful celebration!
