The four Fleurieu councillors stood down for failing to submit their campaign returns have been reinstated following changes to the law.

Peter Oliver and Michael Scott return to Alexandrina Council; Michael Quinton to the City of Victor Harbor; and Davina Quirke to Yankalilla.

The four were among 45 councillors across South Australia that had to vacate office due to not lodging their campaign returns within the required timeframe as set out in the Local Government Elections Legislation. 

A City of Onkaparinga Knox ward councillor was also one of the 45, as were several regional mayors.

The state parliament rushed through the Local Government (Casual Vacancies) Amendment Act 2023 to avoid the requirement for by-elections. 

The changes give any of these members who have not yet lodged their campaign donations returns with the Electoral Commissioner a further 10 business days to do so.

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes has welcomed the legislative change that enables the councillors’ reinstatement.

“I am relieved that the Government has been able to reach this practical solution which restores the positions of Cr Oliver and Cr Scott that avoids a drawn out and costly process.

“I am very pleased to have them back as Council Members. Both Councillors have been democratically elected by our community and now can get back to the important business of serving our community.”