Premier announces local government reforms

Published on 21 October 2025

Queensland councils have welcomed planned reforms detailed by Premier David Crisafulli in his opening address to the Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) Annual Conference on the Gold Coast today.

More than 800 mayors, deputy mayors, councillors, CEOs, guests and exhibitors have joined the biggest Queensland local government event of the year that kicked off yesterday and runs until Wednesday 22 October.

Premier Crisafulli told the audience his government wanted to remove unnecessary red tape and unfair regulation that was hampering councils from getting on and delivering for their communities.

Changes announced by the Premier included the reforms to the conflict-of-interest framework and to the councillor conduct framework.

LGAQ President and Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett said councils welcomed the reforms outlined today by the Premier.

“As a former Deputy Mayor himself, the Premier clearly understands the work of councils and the demands they face every day in every community across Queensland,” Mayor Burnett said.

“Our members appreciate the reforms he announced in his speech today and we now look forward to seeing all the details in the Bill when it is introduced into State Parliament.

“Any measures that let councils get on with their important work without unnecessary or unfair restrictions or obstacles are welcome, because every community deserves to be a liveable one and councils need support, not red tape getting in their way.”