CCC will not investigate Cr Antonio

Paul Antonio in the clear and ‘thankful’ following corruption watchdog’s decision

TOOWOOMBA mayor Paul Antonio is in the clear after the state’s corruption watchdog decided it would not investigate the councillor of nearly four decades.

The decision comes off the back of a referral from the same local government panel that in November 2018 found Cr Antonio engaged in misconduct over his dealings with the Inland Rail project.

A Crime and Corruption Commission spokesman said the CCC had determined not to investigate the matter, and no further action would be taken.

THE Crime and Corruption Commission has decided not to investigate Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Paul Antonio, following a referral from a local government panel in November last year.

The referral to the CCC stemmed from the Local Government Regional Conduct Review Panel’s finding that Cr Antonio engaged in misconduct when he failed to declare a material personal interest at council meetings in 2016 when the council discussed and endorsed potential Inland Rail routes.

A CCC spokesman said the CCC had determined not to investigate the matter, and no further action would be taken.

Yesterday, Cr Antonio said it was the second time the matter had been reviewed by the CCC, and that he got “a lot of comfort out of their judgment”.

“I’m very thankful for the outcome,” Cr Antonio said.

He was also “absolutely overwhelmed” by the support he received from the community before Christmas.

“It was not an easy time for myself or my family, and I’m pleased that we’ve put that completely behind us,” he said.

“It is unbelievable the support that I have received from friends and family and even from people I never knew, coming out of the woodwork.”

The councillor of nearly four decades was first referred to the CCC in September 2017, following an interview with the ABC in which he admitted he paid for the design of an alternative Inland Rail route that ran along the border of his Captains Mountain quarry.

Cr Antonio has always maintained he acted out of concern for established farming families along the proposed route.

The CCC referred the matter to the LGRCRP, which found Cr Antonio had engaged in three counts of misconduct, resulting in $14,360 in fines and orders to make an admission of error and apology in the council chambers.

While his lawyer originally indicated he would appeal the panel’s decision, Cr Antonio said he decided not to because he didn’t want to prolong the issue, “didn’t know it was worthwhile” and because of the cost, “not only to me but also to the ratepayers”.

“I was very disappointed in the judgement of the tribunal but in saying that I accepted (it) and got on with life and continue to govern the region in a very positive way,” he said yesterday.