Councillors told to fess up or face fines

COUNCILLORS across Queensland are being urged to fess up to any charges they may be facing with new automatic suspension powers in place which have seen five people already sidelined.

Local Government Association of Queensland chief Greg Hallam said the body had contacted councils to ensure they were aware of the new powers and the fines of up to $12,600 that now exist if any councillors facing charges that would see them suspended do not come forward. “There is a requirement in the legislation for anyone who is charged to notify the mayor or the CEO immediately,” Mr Hallam said.

It comes as Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe yesterday apologised for the bungled handling of an announcement four Mayors and one councillor had been suspended before the laws had been given crucial assent by the Governor. Moves were then made to obtain that assent to allow the suspensions to take place as announced, effective from 12.01am Monday.

The five suspended people – Logan Mayor Luke Smith, Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Edric Walden and Hope Vale Mayor Greg McLean and Logan councillor Stacey McIntosh – are all facing charges that, if found guilty, would disqualify them from holding office under the new laws.

Logan Mayor Luke Smith, who is defending the charges, slammed the premature announcement of his suspension.

“This has been an absolute debacle,” he said.

Mr Antoniolli also denies the allegations against him.