“Queenslanders deserve representation of the highest calibre and mandatory training will mean they have elected officials who have a better understanding of their responsibilities and obligations when serving their communities,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“This was an important recommendation in the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Operation Belcarra Report and will make sure all candidates go in with their eyes wide open about what is required during the campaign and as a councillor once elected.”

Already, there have been more than 200 enrolments, 124 completions, 27 nominations for face-to-face training, 28 completions of the evaluation survey and 33 calls to the hotline.

And Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said: “I think this is a great idea and long overdue.”

Mainstream media and social media campaigns have also started.

The training includes information such as obligations in relation to reporting donations and expenditure during the campaign as well as the requirement to have a dedicated bank account. It also details responsibilities once elected, such as understanding conflicts of interest, the Code of Conduct and requirements involved with a councillor’s register of interests.

Mr Hinchliffe said the free training was now available on the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs website for all intending candidates.

“An alternative to the online training will be face-to-face training at various locations around the State as department officials conduct So You Want To Be A Councillor information sessions,” he said.

“These free sessions allow those people who may not have access to the online training to still fulfil that nomination requirement in person.”

For information about the online training as well as the So You Want To Be A Councillor information sessions visit http://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/candidates 

Have an opinion or point of view on one of our stories or a community issue? Please submit a Letter to the Editor here.

* Readers are encouraged to use their full details to ensure letter legitimacy. Letters are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Letters containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory, personal or abusive material will not be published.

Got a great news tip or video? We'd love to see it. Send news tips to editor@newsport.com.au

Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff.
Reader comments on this site are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Our moderation takes into consideration these guidelines and rules before comments are approved for publication.