Law change means council can change policy without notice

CHANGES to state legislation now enables Bundaberg Regional Council to change its policies without publishing a public notice.

These policies include those governing expenses and other perks.

The changes have been made by the State Government to the Local Government Act, and enable the council to alter rules around reimbursements for its elected members without putting an advertisement in the local newspaper.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said the changes were to cut red tape.

"Councils haven't been stopped from advertising and it's up to them to decide the best way to inform their community," he said.

Bundaberg region councillors currently are able to access a range of benefits, including a ratepayer-funded vehicle.

But Professor Charles Sampford, president of the International Institute for Public Ethics said every effort should be made to ensure the community was clear on council changes.

"Transparency is highly desirable for many reasons," Prof Sampford said.

"The citizenry is entitled to know what is being done with the power they confer on their elected and appointed representatives and their money that is being spent on their behalf."

Bundaberg acting Mayor David Batt said the council remained mindful at all times of its obligations of "accountability and transparency".

"All reportable items of expense are carried in the council's Annual Reports," Cr Batt said. This report can be viewed on the council's website.

Cr Batt said while the breakdown of expenses for each individual councillor was not yet finalised for the 2012/13 financial year, the 2011/12 report was available on its website.

"Section 250 of the Local Government regulations provides that council must adopt policy or amendments by resolution and place that information on its website or have it available at the council offices on request," he said.

He said in the past, when the council had amended its policy it had been advertised in the NewsMail.

"The changes to the Act provide for minimum requirements for council to observe," he said.