Cairns councillors raise questions over cost of mayor’s legal dispute with conduct tribunal

Cairns councillors have raised questions about the mayor’s ongoing legal costs while others have rushed to his side in defence.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning has sought to dispute the Councillor Conduct Tribunal’s finding against him. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Cairns Regional Council has refused to disclose whether or not the ratepayer would bear the cost of the mayor’s legal appeal against a conduct tribunal’s finding of misconduct.

On March 24 the Councillor Conduct Tribunal (CCT) upheld 23 misconduct allegations made against Bob Manning after the council’s Unity Team, which he led, received electoral donations from a Cairns developer, but failed to declare relevant conflicts of interest during council meetings.

Cr Manning said he would dispute the decision.

The OIA dropped its investigation into three other sitting Unity Team councillors after it was revealed they also failed to declare the same conflicts.

Current and former members of the Unity Team avoided prosecution by the OIA over the matter after the watchdog dropped its investigation. Picture: File photo

Four councillors – Rob Pyne, Amy Eden, Kristy Vallely and Brett Olds – said they have not been informed whether or not the ratepayer will bear the cost of ongoing legal fees.

“I’ve had no contact from the CEO in relation to the decision,” Division 2 councillor Rob Pyne said.

Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely said the mayor had been unfairly held to a separate standard.

“It doesn’t seem fair. Why is it just (Bob) and not the others? If it’s wrong for one, why not the others? It doesn’t sit right,” Cr Vallely said.

Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely said the mayor had been held to an unfair standard. Picture: Brendan Radke

“As an elected member, you want to make the right decision … everything is on the line.

“There are good people here who are being pulled through the mud. I know what (Bob) has done for this city, so it’s heartbreaking he’s going through this.”

The council also did not disclose the cost of Cr Manning’s legal expenses to date and how they had been paid for, but CEO Mica Martin suggested insurance had covered some expenses.

“As part of its usual business practices, council has a councillors and officers liability policy which provides the necessary insurance for officers and councillors,” Ms Martin said.

Former mayor Kevin Byrne said it was right for councillors to be informed of the funding outcome.

Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said the public deserved to know whether or not the council would bear the cost of the mayor’s legal fees. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“This would have been a very expensive exercise for all involved … it would be a very brave council that decided to use ratepayers to fund an appeal,” Mr Byrne said.

“The ratepayer would not be happy to be exposed to that litigation.”

Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said the mayor should be forthcoming about plans to fund his appeal, given the chance the council could bear the cost.

“The question should be raised; why should the ratepayers fund this? They deserve to know,” Cr Olds said.

Cr Manning was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Cairns councillors raise questions over cost of mayor’s legal dispute with conduct tribunal