A member of parliament asks whether individuals with criminal records or jail time are eligible to become local government councillors. The minister takes the question on notice, offering a preliminary opinion but indicating further investigation is needed.

AnsweredQoN 855Legislative Council
Asked
26 September 2007
Portfolio
Local Government

QuestionView source ↗

LOCAL GOVERNMENT - ELIGIBILITY TO BECOME A COUNCILLOR
I refer to the Local Government Act. Can someone who has a criminal record still become a local government councillor and can someone who has been in jail still become a local government councillor? This question has been put to me. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH

AnswerView source ↗

It is a very interesting question. I would like to take it on notice. My initial thought is probably not, but I suspect that if they have a spent conviction, there is every likelihood that they could. However, I am not certain and it might require a request from the member for a legal opinion. In any event, I am happy to have it looked into and to provide the member with a response.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: It is a very interesting question. I would like to take it on notice. My initial thought is probably not, but I suspect that if they have a spent conviction, there is every likelihood that they could. However, I am not certain and it might require a request from the member for a legal opinion. In any event, I am happy to have it looked into and to provide the member with a response.
It is a very interesting question. I would like to take it on notice. My initial thought is probably not, but I suspect that if they have a spent conviction, there is every likelihood that they could. However, I am not certain and it might require a request from the member for a legal opinion. In any event, I am happy to have it looked into and to provide the member with a response.

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