Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, was out and about last Saturday asking the people of Pine Rivers to have their say on the issues of accountability and transparency in politics.

“The Government has recently released a discussion paper and has called on Queenslanders for their comments,” Carolyn Male MP said.”This follows a number of reforms announced recently by the Premier, including a ban on all Labor Members of Parliament attending political fundraisers where businesses pay for access and a ban on lobbyists serving on Government appointed boards, or in other significant appointments paid by the Queensland Government.”

“This discussion paper provides an opportunity for Queenslanders to help shape our state’s future.”

“It provides an overview of the broad range of checks and balances currently in place and asks Queenslanders for their views on what they think should be done to make our state’s potential landscape more transparent, open and accountable.”

“I want to hear what the people of Queensland have to say on these issues, that is why I was out in the community last week,” Carolyn Male MP said.

Key issues raised in the Paper include:
• Legislating conflict of interest disclosures;
• Banning how-to-vote cards;
• Capping or banning political donations and increasing public funding of political parties as a result;
• Capping election campaign expenditure including political advertising;
• Expanding the CMC’s powers to investigate non-commercial Government-owned corporations;
• Boosting legislative protection for whistleblowers.

The Premier has also announced a round table of experts to consider the feedback received and assist government in developing its response.

The roundtable will be chaired by the Premier.

Written submissions close on 16 September and can be provided via email, post or fax. Call my office for more information on 3205 6779 or email pine.rivers@parliament.qld.gov.au.