James Hansen to remain on full pay while suspended

A Fraser Coast councillor who claimed Covid jabs were part of a planned population “cull” and wrote polarising posts about race and gender, will remain on full pay while he is suspended from his duties, it has been revealed.

Disgraced Fraser Coast councillor James Hansen.​

Fraser Coast councillor James Hansen will remain on full pay while suspended from his role over a series of controversial Facebook posts.

Deputy Premier and Local Government Minister Steven Miles confirmed on Thursday he had made the decision to stand down councillor and dairy farmer James Hansen for one month.

A spokeswoman from his office confirmed Mr Hansen would remain on full pay during his suspension.

His posts were in regard to transgender women, Coon cheese and Covid.

The decision follows last month’s recommendation from the Councillor Conduct Tribunal that Mr Hansen’s posts amounted to misconduct.

“As recommended by the Councillor Conduct Tribunal, I have suspended the councillor for one month, commencing on September 8, 2023,” Mr Miles said.

On Friday, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour spoke about Mr Hansen’s suspension.

“Council has been advised that the Local Government Minister has suspended Cr James Hansen for a month, effective Friday, September 8, 2023,” he said.

“The minister’s decision follows the Councillor Conduct Tribunal determination last month that Cr Hansen had engaged in misconduct over a range of comments he posted on Facebook.

“The minister’s decision means that Cr Hansen will not attend any official meetings or have access to council resources during the suspension period.

“As community leaders, councillors are expected to meet appropriate standards of behaviour as outlined in the Local Government Act and the Code of Conduct. Cr Hansen has been judged not to have met those standards.

“Division 1 residents are encouraged to contact council’s customer service team on 1300 79 49 29 or email [e-mail] during the suspension period if they require assistance.”

On Thursday evening, Mr Hansen was now backing down.

“I stand by my comments, all of which were on my personal page, I said men shouldn’t complete in women’s sports as I believe in women’s rights,” he said

“That the COVID mandates were too overreacting … and that the changing of Coon cheese was unwarranted as it was named after its inventor, Mr coon from the USA, crazy political correctness.”

Mr Hansen said he disagreed with the decision and would be appealing it through the Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal.