Ipswich council rocked by watchdog’s arrest of CEO Lindsay

IPSWICH City Council’s top executive has been spectacularly charged by the state corruption watchdog, marking the latest arrest to rock the southeast Queensland city.

Chief executive Jim Lindsay was arrested at the council office by Crime and Corruption Commission officers yesterday afternoon and taken to the Ipswich Watchhouse.

The 53- year- old is facing the serious charge of official corruption.

Lindsay is the second senior Ipswich City Council officer charged by the CCC in as many days.

Chief operating officer of works, parks and recreation Craig Maudlsey was on Wednesday charged with misconduct. It also follows charges being laid against charismatic former mayor Paul Pisasale, who has been charged with five offences including extortion.

Only a day before Lindsay was charged, the chief executive was given credit by new Mayor Andrew Antoniolli for instigating a review that led to new “transparency and integrity” plans.

In a statement released last night, the council confirmed the charges and said Lindsay was on “immediate leave”.

“This comes as a shock; however, we must remain resilient through a period of turmoil,” Cr Antoniolli said.

“Following a similar charge two days ago, I said this council would have zero tolerance when it comes to any illegal activity, and that view remains.”