The Queensland Local Government Minister Paul Lucas has stated he will audit all councils following the failure of the Sunshine Coast Council to comply with new state laws requiring councils to publish online a full register of interests, including all money, gifts or hospitality provided to council politicians and the chief executive officer.

 

The new legislation, which came into force on January 1,  gives councillors 30 days to provide an updated list of their potential conflict of interests to the CEO, and for the information to be released to the public within five days of arrival.

 

In a statement, Mr Lucas said there was no excuse for the Sunshine Coast Council not to have released the documents and warned that the public should be wary when a government tried to keep information from them.

 

"It is not acceptable for large councils in particular to not have updated their website to provide details of the financial interests of councillors," Mr Lucas said. "The public has a right to this information. If they can put media releases promptly on their website then surely they can put councillors' register of interests."