From public housing to City Hall: Candidate vows transparency

Wayne Parcell: “Leadership is needed to bring about change in the council.”

MAYORAL candidate Wayne Parcell has laid out his election spending to date to demonstrate his commitment to transparency.

“I’ve spent $45,248.43 in this campaign so far and I’ve only got 250 signs out and I’ve received, and this is the really important one: I’ve received in donations to my campaign $998, so ask yourselves who am I beholden to?” he said at a meet the candidates event in Nambour. “The only people I will be beholden to is you. You are the only people that will matter.

“Leadership is needed to bring about change in the council, to bring about cultural change that matters to you.”

Mr Parcell, a hinterland resident of 19 years, said growing up in a domestic violence environment in public housing in Brisbane, studying law at university, working hard, owning his own business, working for a global firm and for the Commonwealth government had led him to find his purpose.

“My purpose is to serve my community and I have done that since I was 15, 16, working in charities, running charities, working for the Commonwealth government of Australia, working in Australia and overseas in areas like immigration defence intelligence and security and taxation, working at the hard hitting end of policy and operational matters in Australia and overseas, and with that authenticity comes integrity and a desire for transparency.”

He said his experience working for the government, in his own business, and for a global firm where he managed 1100 people across 100 countries was an indication of how he would manage a council of 2000 employees and 10 councillors. 

He said he would be a mayor “with respect, with integrity and with dignity “because what’s most important is the change that matters to you and that’s what I want to deliver to you.”

Reader’s Question on transparency in Council 

Jan asked: If elected, how would you help ensure transparency in Council?

Mr Parcell’s response: 

Transparency in planning is crucial to rebuild community confidence.  We will raise awareness and understanding of how the planning processes operate so that everyone is empowered with knowledge to participate.  Consultation becomes informed, meaningful engagement.

As Mayor, drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the Commonwealth Government and in global business, I will lead the council with a vision of creating an environment where the views of ten councillors, and the people they represent are considered equitably, so that the outcomes for the entire region are well-considered, based on facts and sound advice, and taking account of the community’s aspirations.  

My priority is to ensure transparency in decision-making and community engagement.  Inclusivity of all the voices of our diverse region is fundamental to both progress and preservation. This major focus will be a significant factor in ensuring the Sunshine Coast maintains its own character and liveability.