Former councillor found guilty and fined
A former local government councillor was fined by the Magistrates Court after being found guilty on 16 September 2024 of seven charges of breaching the Local Government Act 1995 arising from conduct that occurred while being a member of a council.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) charged the now former councillor with the following offences:
- 5 charges of failing to vote at a meeting of council, under Section 5.21 (5) of the Act;
- 1 charge of participating in a meeting after declaring an interest, under Section 5.67 of the Act; and
- 1 charge of failing to disclose a financial interest, under Section 5.65 of the Act.
The former councillor was fined a total of $1500 and granted a spent conviction.
In noting the successful prosecution, the DLGSC reminds all local government council members of the need to ensure that they fulfill their obligations under the Local Government Act 1995.