Explosive allegations

EXPLOSIVE allegations have been revealed about misconduct during last year’s Gold Coast City Council election since the Crime and Corruption Commission hearing began in April.

The first day of the hearings exposed a rift between division four councillor Kristyn Boulton and Fadden MP Stuart Robert over a $30,000 donation from the Fadden forum, a fundraising arm of the LNP.

Cr Boulton claimed she thought the donation was from Mr Robert personally, it did not compromise her status as an independent and she relied on advice from Mr Robert to complete her disclosure form.

Mr Robert, however, said Cr Boulton was fully aware the money had come from the LNP.

Mayor Tom Tate admitted he failed to provide use of a separate bank account for his campaign expenses, a violation of the disclosure guidelines, even though he funded his own bid.

Planning committee chairman councillor Cameron Caldwell admitted he had returned a $2000 donation from developing giant Sunland as he felt it would be a conflict on interest in his duties.