Second Ipswich mayor charged
IPSWICH council’s corruption crisis has worsened with Andrew Antoniolli becoming the city’s second mayor in 12 months facing criminal charges.
Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission charged Antoniolli, 47, with seven counts of fraud at the Ipswich watch- house yesterday before he was bailed.
The councillor, first elected to Ipswich council in 2000 at age 29, became mayor last August, two months after longtime mayor Paul Pisasale was the first of several senior figures to fall due to corruption and misconduct charges.
The CCC allege Antoniolli used council funds “for his own use to purchase auction items from charitable organisations” over more than five years.
The independent, but Labor- affiliated, mayor expressed “disappointment and frustration” with being charged.
The former police officer, who is set to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 16, said he would not step down.
“I have never been involved in corrupt or criminal activity and I intend to fight these charges,” he said in a statement.
“These charges will not define me.
“In the mayoral by- election last year I stood on a platform of accountability and transparency.
“I have been committed to bringing about much- needed change at Ipswich City Council.”