While seasoned politicians might say every day is a campaign day, the starting gun was officially fired last week on the 2024 Local Government elections.
Notice of the election was published by the Electoral Commission Queensland on Monday, January 29, marking the opening of nominations for candidates across Queensland’s 77 councils.
Election day is Saturday, March 16 for voters wanting to mark their calendars. Candidate nominations close at noon on Tuesday, February 13.
Voting on polling day is compulsory for everyone else who is an Australia citizen aged 18 or older, while postal vote ballots should be on their way soon to the letterboxes of those who have applied to vote that way or are already listed as a special postal voter.
I will be watching this year’s campaigns with keen interest as it’s the first Local Government election in 27 years that I am not nominated for.
Politics is a tough business, and campaigning can be harsh as you compete with other passionate people to share your vision for your community.
But at its heart, the job is about providing service to others.
It’s only after climbing the electoral hill, and taking your seat in the council chambers, that the real work begins.
Local councillors are responsible for making decisions that shape the lives and lifestyles, of just about everyone in our city.
I believe that each vote cast must be considered, informed and made in the spirit of betterment for as many people as possible.
Councillors are also tasked with the important job of managing our city’s finances, and spending ratepayers hard-earned dollars with utmost care and attention.
It is my hope that each of the individuals who have, or plan to, nominate for the next election in the City of Logan are already considering the size of the job before them, and what they can bring to this important and privileged role.
On Friday night, I was honoured to officially celebrate my retirement from local government with a small group of friends and colleagues.
I’m still in the seat for several weeks yet, but it was a great opportunity to reflect and remember the highlights of the past three decades.
Plenty of jokes were made at my expense, but even they were an important reminder that despite the sometimes-heavy burden we carry as local representatives – there still remains room for light and laughter.
I wish candidates and voters all the best as this year’s electoral race gets int full swing.
Democracy is a privilege we all share in.
