Critics draw Baildon’s ire
FORMER mayor Gary Baildon has taken aim at council critics after a long-running corruption investigation wrapped up.
The long-serving Surfers Paradise councillor, who will retire in March, has written an opinion piece in today’s Bulletin to lament the state of Gold Coast politics and slam the “innuendo” he says has damaged the city.
The Crime and Corruption Commission this week said it would take no further action against the council after an 18month investigation.
However, some matters have been referred to the Office of the Independent Assessor.
Cr Baildon told the Bulletin yesterday he had written the column because of his disappointment that people opposed to council decisions had reported them as criminal.
“What makes me cranky and disappointed is the number of people who seem dissatisfied with our decisions who are too ready to make allegations of impropriety about the conduct of councillors,” he said. “These allegations are groundless and there was nothing that was actionable ... yet caused enormous stress to councillors, staff and their families.
“I know some even question what they were even doing getting involved in council.”
Cr Baildon warned that constantly subjecting city leaders to investigation would deter good candidates from wanting to become involved in local government.
“This is just going to cause good people to not bother at all,” he said.
“What we need are good candidates who are willing to put in the time and help the public and work for the city.
“This has been a process which has caused enormous distress for some councillors. While some shrug it off, it has been a lot tougher on others.’’
Cr Baildon cited the investigations into the council’s decision to approve the filling in of Black Swan Lake at Bundall and the Waterglow development.
Griffith University political expert Dr Paul Williams said public views had become more polarised in the past decade.
“This is particularly thanks to social media and it speaks to echo chambers and filter bubbles,’’ he said. “Australians have always been sceptical about politics but now they are openly cynical.”
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