By Lucy Waldron
Newly elected Southern Downs councillor, Joel Richters, has publicly disclosed receiving $8000 worth of donations from three unions during his election campaign.
Under the Electoral Act 1992 and the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, electoral candidates are mandated to transparently declare any donations received during their campaign to uphold the integrity of the political process.
Cr Richters, who ran an extensive campaign utilising various platforms including a dedicated website, Facebook, flyers, and car advertising, reiterated his status as an independent candidate throughout the election period.
Despite his affiliation with the Labor party and his history of campaigning for them, Cr Richters maintains that his role in local government will remain unbiased.
“Following the election, I’m getting on with the job of being a representative of our whole community and advocating for the things our region wants and needs,“ Cr Richters said.
The disclosed donations include $1000 from the Transport Workers Union of Australia, Queensland Branch, $2000 from the Australian Workers Union of Employees Queensland, and $5000 from Together Queensland, Industrial Union of Employees.
“I am a proud unionist and not ashamed of their willingness to donate to my campaign,“ Cr Richters said.
“I’m not a business owner or a self-funded retiree, I’m a working person and like so many others in the same position, I’m feeling the pinch of cost of living pressures and rising rent.“
Cr Richters stressed the importance of transparency and integrity in his role as a councillor, assuring constituents that these values will guide his actions moving forward.
Additionally, donations from friends and family have been declared by some of the other councillors, with Cr Sheryl Windle receiving $24, Cr Morweena Harslett receiving $350, Cr Sarah Deane receiving $440, and Cr Cynthia McDonald receiving $6000.
