Over recent months, council has worked to produce a set of resources, policies and procedures to inform potential candidates prior to the election and to assist new councillors carry out their duties in an ethical and transparent manner once elected.

Council has introduced a new Councillor Integrity Policy Package which sets clear, concise and certain standards for councillors and council staff. The package is available at www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/cipp.

The interim administrator has also released “Ipswich, It’s Your Council: A Candidate Guide for Ipswich Council” which includes everything potential candidates need to know about the role and purpose of local government, how council operates, what is expected of councillors and how they will be supported by council’s management team and staff. While intended as a starting point for candidates, the guide may also provide the wider community with a better understanding of how their local councillor can and should represent them under Queensland Local Government legislation. The guide and associated resources are available at www.itsyourcouncil.com.au.

In November, council held its first candidate information session for prospective candidates and interested community members. The evening included presentations from council’s interim administrator, CEO, representatives from the Department of Local Government and the Electoral Commission of Queensland, and a public question and answer session. A second information session will be held Tuesday 4 February at the North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre, 5.45pm for 6.00pm.