Political experts say trust is key in Moreton Bay Regional Council election

CCC investigations, councillors charged and suspended and a damning report into council operations could lead to a “clean sweep” of the Moreton Bay Regional Council, political experts say.

Political experts say there could be a clean sweep of Moreton Bay Regional Council on March 28. PHOTO: David Alexander

Political experts say the trouble experienced by Moreton Bay Regional Council this past term could pose a problem for incumbent candidates.

The Local Government Election is on March 28.

Professor of Political Science at QUT Clive Bean said voters would be “watchful and suspicious” and lack “confidence in the local government system”.

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“There may be a downturn in turnout, which despite compulsory voting tends to be relatively low in local government elections anyway,” Prof Bean said.

“It may also mean that sitting councillors do not fare as well as in the past, if voters see them as associated with corrupt practices.”

Former Federal MP for Forde and visiting scholar at QUT Mary Crawford agreed that a clean sweep could be on the cards.

Former Federal MP for Forde and now visiting scholar at QUT Mary Crawford Photo: QUT Marketing and Communication/Erika Fish.

“There have been a number of issues around the council, with Allan Sutherland himself being charged,” Ms Crawford said.

LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR EACH MORETON DIVISION

“There was an inquiry into the council workforce problems and staff turnover and other issues around a range of things to do with the council.

“It is very volatile, and research shows that often in a situation like this people will go for a clean sweep.”

Ms Crawford (pictured above) said voters may reward sitting councillors who stood up or spoke out against the council’s behaviour.

“But current research around trust shows Australian’s are not trusting politicians at the moment and have adopted a ‘we don’t care, we want someone new’ attitude,” she said.

Professor Bean (pictured) said this need for a “clean sweep” could also be the reason so many candidates with little to no political experience had put their hand up to run.

Professor of Political Science at QUT Clive Bean

“It is not that uncommon at local government level, but there may be more people with little political experience this time, since people from outside of traditional politics might wish to put their hands up to help ‘clean up’ the council,” he said.

Both Ms Crawford and Prof Bean said voters would still be looking to elect people with plans to improve roads, rates and rubbish.

“I think rates, rubbish and roads will always feature in local government elections, but the bush fires and koala mapping may focus attention more on environmental matters than usual, particularly in a regional like Moreton Bay,” Prof Bean said.

He said voters would also be looking “for someone who is a known quantity to some extent and who voters feel can be trusted”.

Candidate nominations close at noon today, with the ballot draw to take place on Wednesday.