Queensland election watchdog warns ‘intrusive’ public review bill will have ‘chilling effect’
by Australian Associated Press from on (#65HSG)
Proposed laws may allow access to sensitive and confidential information and could undermine public confidence, commissioner says
Queensland's election watchdog has warned proposed law changes will have a chilling effect" on its perceived ability to oversee free and fair elections.
A bill before the state's parliament would allow for reviews of public entities, including direct access to premises and documents. The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) wants to be excluded from such reviews, which other statutory bodies, including the Crime and Corruption Commission and the Queensland Audit Office, are already not subject to.
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