In what might be a too little, too late move in the Eurobodalla NSW Labor last night introduced laws to ban property developers and real estate agents being elected to NSW councils - in time for the forthcoming Local government elections.
The legislation was introduced and Shadow Special Minister of State Walt Secord gave the Second Reading speech in the NSW Legislative Council.
The bill, Local Government Amendment (Disqualification from Civic Office) Bill 2020 was drafted by Labor Shadow Minister for Local Government, Greg Warren.
It will return to the NSW Parliament later this year for further debate, however, Mr Secord and Mr Warren called on the Liberals and Nationals to support the legislation.
“It’s been Labor’s policy for years to ban property developers and real estate agents from being elected to NSW councils,” Mr Secord told State Parliament.
Mr Warren said: “Labor partnered with the local government sector and we even tried to work with the Liberals and Nationals to get it done, but in 2017 Ms Berejiklian directed her Liberal and National mates to vote against these draft laws.
“These changes must be enforced well before the September local government elections otherwise it proves these mooted changes are nothing but a desperate publicity stunt from a government with zero conviction.”
Mr Secord added: “Communities expect the highest level of accountability and integrity from their councillors and mayors.
“This is the government’s chance to put up or shut up when it comes to ensuring transparency and community trust in local government.”
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