Watchdog backs council sacking law

THE head of Queensland’s corruption watchdog says he was not consulted about laws to sack Ipswich City Council following corruption allegations, but supports the move.

His comments come after criticism of the government’s move to draft special legislation to sack the council after 15 councillors and staff were charged with 79 offences.

The Liberal National Party Opposition has raised questions about whether the government consulted the Crime and Corruption Commission before announcing the laws.

CCC Chair Alan MacSporran QC released a statement yesterday clarifying he had only been consulted about the legislation after it had been announced, to ensure it did not clash with the ongoing investigation into the council’s corruption allegations.

“When I was informed of the decision to remove the Council, I told the Minister that I supported removing Ipswich City Council,” Mr MacSporran said.