Regional Conduct Review Panel Determination
The Regional Conduct Review Panel that was assigned to determine complaints against Cr Sno Bonneau of Cairns Regional Council delivered its report and findings on the 28th of February 2012. It was advised in the Findings and Orders that:
The evidence before this Panel indicates that:
1. Under the pre-amendment Local Government Act 2009, CRC councillors, senior council staff and council’s legal advisors struggled with that Act’s recording requirements in relation to conflicts and personal interests.
2. This confusion was systemic and not limited to CRC, but impacted on local government across Queensland and ultimately resulted in legislative amendment.
3. From his election to the present day, Cr. Bonneau has diligently declared and recorded interests, election gifts and business associates of both his and his wife.
4. There is nothing whatsoever to substantiate any of the allegations against Cr. Bonneau.
The Panel orders that allegations that Councillor Sno Bonneau did not declare a conflict of interest or a material personal interest under the Local Government Act 1993 and or the Local Government Act 2009 be dismissed as misconceived and lacking in substance.”
The Director of The Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Branch of the Department of Local Government and Planning has advised that both the Councillor subject to investigation and the Complainant have the authority and legal right to make the report from the panel available to the general public.
There is a high level of public awareness and interest in the outcome and procedures involved following the provision of the claims and comments to the media and internet forums prior to the complaints being formally lodged. The matter has also been referred to on numerous occasions in the media during the 12 month period of the investigations.
Considering this high level of interest, and in fulfilling a desire to be completely open and transparent regarding these matters, the report is provided as an attachment in the link below.
Cr. Sno Bonneau
DLGP Decision 28.2.12 (1.4 mb)