Queensland property developers will be banned from making cash donations to all local and state political candidates. The commitment follows a damning Crime and Corruption Commission report, but it’s not yet known when the new rules will take effect.

Natalie Brown reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The message is clear – developer donations aren’t welcome anymore.

The Palaszczuk Government plans to ban developer donations to prevent perceived conflicts of interest for elected officials.

The Attorney-General says candidates have an obligation to be transparent.

Yvette D’Ath, Attorney-General: “The community expects you to be open and to disclose where your donations are coming from and who’re those donors and how much are they donating.”

The Attorney General says the Palaszczuk Government has been committed to reforms from day one.

Yvette D’Ath, Attorney-General: “We are about transparency and accountability and about ensuring the people of Queensland have confidence in the political system and the electoral system.”

The Local Government Association of Queensland has welcomed the report, supporting all but two of the recommendations.

Greg Hallam remains unconvinced the ban – and forcing conflicted Councillors out of meetings – will solve every problem.

Greg Hallam, LGAQ CEO: “We believe a blanket ban on developer donations will simply drive things underground. It’ll be less transparent. The best disinfectant is sunlight.”

The Premier says she will address more key reforms in the coming days.

However none of the changes are likely to take effect ahead of the state election, expected to occur before Christmas.

Natalie Brown, QUT News.