Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale resigns: Paul Tully to be acting mayor

DEPUTY Ipswich mayor Paul Tully will assume the role of acting mayor in wake of Paul Pisasale’s sudden resignation, but what happens then?

Cr Paul Tully at St Andrews Private Hospital in Ipswich. Pic Tim Marsden

• Paul Pisasale quits amid CCC probe

DEPUTY Ipswich mayor Paul Tully, who will assume the role of acting mayor in wake of Paul Pisasale’s resignation, said the former mayor had left a strong legacy for the city.

Cr Tully confirmed Cr Pisasale’s office was raided by police about midday Monday.

He said Cr Pisasale checked in to hospital about 4pm on the advice of his doctors.

A by-election for the mayoralty will be held within 12 weeks.

Cr Tully said he was not sure whether he would run for the permanent position, but expected it would be a hotly-contested race including other current councillors and previous mayoral candidates.

“I am personally saddened with Paul’s resignation today, he’s been a councillor since 1991 and I guess he’s become known as Mr Ipswich, as someone associated with his city on both the national and international stage,” Cr Tully said.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale at a press conference from his hospital bed at St Andrews Private Hospital in Ipswich. Pic Tim Marsden

“This will be a big loss for our city but I can confirm it will be business as usual.”

He said Cr Pisasale had discussed his health concerns with him a few weeks ago but was surprised by the mayor’s sudden resignation.

“I know there were some other issues surrounding this whole issue but today it is his health, his family, he’s putting his health and his family as number one and that’s something he hasn’t done for a number of decades,” Cr Tully said.

Cr Tully said he had heard “bits and pieces” about the CCC investigation but police had not spoken to him about the matter.

He said the investigation was separate to Operation Belcarra, which is investigating possible corruption in the Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast and Moreton Bay council elections in 2016.

“Today is principally about Paul’s health,” Cr Tully said.

“There are other issues that the mayor and the media are speculating on and I heard in the conference where it was said that there may be a CCC statement today.

“I think that is a matter that does not reflect on the corporation or the council, it is a matter that may or may not involve Paul Pisasale and may involve other people as well.”

Cr Tully said the investigation “may or may not” directly involve the mayor.

“I think the speculation needs to be careful in the sense that in any sort of investigation people may be witnesses, people may have some material or information.

“From my very brief discussions with the mayor, there may well be wider issues here.”

Cr Tully said all of the Ipswich City councillors had visited Cr Pisasale in hospital this morning and that many of them had tears in their eyes as they spoke with him.

“It has come as a major shock to councillors of this city that the mayor is gone, he’s resigned in a very professional and dignified manner and we’re just hopeful that he can get on with his life and enjoys retirement,” he said.

At the weekend, Cr Pisasale cancelled his planned trip to the United States.