I REFER to the matter recently before council regarding the provision of legal support for staff and councillors who individually have to defend themselves for actions undertaken as a public official.

I urge anyone with an interest in the topic to acquaint themselves with the facts.

The following are the facts:

State legislation has always contained the ability for council to support staff and councillors who have the need to legally defend themselves personally over a matter related to their role as a public official.

Council has been requested by the Ombudsman to put in place policy guidelines around how this legislation is applied.

Clarifying how the existing provisions of the Local Government are applied is an action supported by the Department of Local Government and the Local Government Association of Queensland.

This policy has no impact whatsoever on anyone's ability to express views about local government.

I have already written to the Minister for Local Government suggesting that a state wide approach should be taken. 　

I urge the community to take the time to understand the issue and to be aware that council whole-heartedly supports freedom of speech.

Gympie Regional Council, nor any council can restrict any person's common law right to freedom of political speech.