Local Government Electoral Act 2011 (Qld)

Local Government Electoral Act 2011

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Local Government Electoral Act 2011.

2 Commencement (1) Part 12, division 4, other than sections 224, 228 and 236, commences on 1 September 2011. (2) The following provisions commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation— • part 12, divisions 2, 3, 11, 12, 14 and 16 • sections 315 and 342.

3 Purposes of Act The purposes of this Act are to— (a) ensure and reinforce the transparent and equitable conduct of elections of councillors of Queensland's local governments, including, for example, by minimising the risk of unequal participation in the electoral process and ensuring a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process; and (b) ensure and reinforce integrity in Queensland's local governments, including, for example, by minimising the risk of corruption in relation to— (i) the election of councillors; and (ii) the good governance of, and by, local government.

4 Definitions The dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this Act.

5 Particular references in this Act In a provision of this Act about an election— (a) a reference to the returning officer is a reference to the returning officer for the election; and (b) a reference to an assistant returning officer is a reference to an assistant returning officer for the election; and (c) a reference to an issuing officer is a reference to an issuing officer for the election; and (d) a reference to polling day is a reference to polling day for the election; and (e) a reference to the nomination day is a reference to the nomination day for the election; and (f) a reference to a ballot paper is a reference to a ballot paper for the election; and (g) a reference to a candidate is a reference to a candidate for the election; and (h) a reference to a nominee is a reference to a nominee for the election; and (i) a reference to the mayor or another councillor is a reference to the mayor or other councillor of the local government for which the election is held; and (j) a reference to a local government is a reference to the local government for which the election is held.