Statement from Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe

Today, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey, Governor of Queensland, granted assent to Local Government reform legislation passed by State Parliament on Thursday 17 May.

The laws took effect from 12am today and triggered the immediate suspension of the following four Mayors and one Councillor:

• Luke Smith – Mayor, Logan City Council. Charges that trigger the legislation include official corruption and perjury.
• Stacey McIntosh – Councillor, Logan City Council. A stealing charge triggers the legislation.
• Andrew Antoniolli – Mayor (stood aside), Ipswich City Council. Fraud charges trigger the legislation.
• Edric Walden – Mayor, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council. Charges that trigger the legislation include misconduct in public office and forgery.
• Greg McLean – Mayor, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council. A fraud charge triggers the legislation

The Mayors and Councillor have been advised, as have the CEOs of the affected councils.
 
The Mayors and Councillor are suspended on full pay. They cannot appeal the suspensions. 

Under section 165 of the Local Government Act, the Deputy Mayors in the affected councils will assume the roles and responsibilities of acting Mayor. A suspended councillor is not replaced.
 
This action does not reflect on the outcome of the charges which will be dealt with by the courts.
 
I have also written to all Councillors to ask them to declare if their status is affected under the new provisions.

These are very new laws, and I will need to carefully consider whether to exercise any of my new powers, based on the facts of each case.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 194 548