In a stunning reversal of Premier Anna Bligh's edict that government should make all information public except when secrecy is essential, the Scenic Rim Council has done the exact opposite.
Yesterday the Scenic Rim Regional Council passed a resolution that effectively makes it an offense for Councillors to be truthful to their constituents when asked direct questions about Council policy.
All Scenic Rim Regional Council information is now CONFIDENTIAL unless declared otherwise by the CEO or a majority in a Council Meeting.
Councillors cannot answer questions about any topic discussed in Council unless Mr Craig Barke - an unelected Council CEO - decides that you are allowed to know about a discussion or decision.
In another ludicrously broad interpretation of Desley Boyle's flawed Local Government Act, Craig Barke has achieved what the bureaucrats in Yes Minister could only dream of - the right to control how, when, where and if information about your local government is released to you.
There is no appeal. Councillors are obliged to zip up their mouths when ordered. This is a stake driven into the heart of our democracy. Those Councillors who voted for for these provisions must feel a giddying sense of power and control while they have the majority.
But what will they think after the next election if they find themselves in the minority. How will the current Mayor and Deputy Mayor cope with gag orders by a council CEO who takes issue with their opinions and their politics?
This is very dangerous territory Mr Barke. We had hoped you had more sense of fairness, of democratic history and sympathy with the ratepayers who pay your salary. We will see how your employers - the ratepayers - respond to your power grab over the next few weeks and months.