FORMER Ipswich Councillors and the Local Government Association of Queensland have spoken out on the Crime and Corruption Commission’s relentless pursuit of Ipswich City Council following a ruling clearing former Mayor Andrew Antoniolli.
The Court of Appeal last week upheld former Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli’s successful appeal in December of 12 convictions of fraud and one attempted fraud relating to more than $10,000 used from the council’s Community Donations Fund to buy items at charity auctions.
Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith reacted to the Court of Appeal’s decision saying baseless charges were undermining confidence in the local government sector.
“We now have yet another former Mayor left picking up the pieces after having his life and reputation badly damaged by the laying of charges by police officers seconded to the Crime and Corruption Commission that have – yet again – ultimately been found to be baseless,” Ms Smith said.
“This cannot go on. It is damaging not only to those wrongly charged but is also undermining public confidence in the CCC and the local government sector as a whole.”
Veteran Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully said Mr Antoniolli had been cleared of any wrongdoing, had a proud political career and still had a lot to offer the city.
“He had a proud 18 years as a committed and passionate councillor and will no doubt consider resurrecting his political career as he still has a lot to offer the city.”
Other members of the sacked Ipswich council David Pahlke and David Martin said CCC chairman Alan MacSporran and former local government minister Stirling Hinchliffe had to answer to their actions saying Mr Antoniolli’s baseless charges were the trigger for the council being dismissed.
“We got sacked because Andrew was charged and on the basis he was guilty by trial by media and social media before he had the opportunity to defend himself,” Mr Martin said.
A spokeswoman for Local Government Minister Steven Miles said the Government acted on the findings of the Crime and Corruption Commission to ensure the Ipswich community had ongoing representation.