Statement on Ipswich City Council

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:

“Today I have requested the Ipswich City Council respond to further matters in my consideration of whether they should not be dismissed or suspended.

“In the wake of multiple charges by the CCC against both Councillors and staff, I remain gravely concerned that the people of Ipswich are being short-changed by their Council.

“Local Government Act amendments passed in late May have given me an additional power to dismiss or suspend a Council or Councillors in the public interest.

“These are powers that I won’t shy away from using.

“I am giving the Council and its Councillors until Friday week (29 June) to respond to a further Show Cause notice that I have issued today using the new ‘public interest’ provisions.

“The Council and the residents of Ipswich have my commitment that any further material will be considered quickly, but thoroughly, and a decision made shortly thereafter.

“I want to thank Ipswich residents, ratepayers and businesses for their patience as this matter moves towards a conclusion.”

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 194 548