Ipswich City Council reconsiders decision to return Pisasale’s name to bridge, street

An Ipswich City councillor has apologised to victims of sexual assault and other crimes after he voted to keep the name of disgraced former mayor Paul Pisasale on two local landmarks, saying he “deeply” regrets his decision.

After fierce backlash from residents across the state, some Ipswich City councillors have indicated they may double back on their decision to keep the name of disgraced former mayor Paul Pisasale on two city assets.

The council called for community consultation on potential new names for Pisasale Dr in Yamanto and Pisasale Bridge in Springfield late last year, but ultimately decided to keep the names during a meeting last week.

It was then recommended to the council that the bridge be “de-named” in a special meeting on today (July 7).

Councillor Kate Kunzelmann moved to have the matter lie on the table until the next ordinary meeting, which was anticipated to be held on Tuesday, July 12. The motion was supported by Mayor Teresa Harding, Russell Milligan, Andrew Fechner, and Marnie Doyle.

Councillors Paul Tully, Nicole Jonic, and Sheila Ireland voted against the motion and Councillor Jacob Madsen abstained.

Of the nine councillors who were present at last week’s meeting, councillors Paul Tully, Nicole Jonic, Sheila Ireland, Jacob Madsen, and Russell Milligan supported the decision to restore Pisasale’s name on both council assets, while Mayor Teresa Harding and councillors Marnie Doyle, Andrew Fechner, and Kate Kunzelmann did not.

Cr Tully, who was formerly Pisasale’s deputy, led the charge in overturning the decision to explore alternative names for the road and bridge.

The move was met with significant criticism, particularly from Ipswich residents; one of whom shared she had “never been more disappointed in the governing council”.

“Honouring a jailed criminal — honestly,” Kim Hayley wrote on a Queensland Times Facebook post.

“So disappointing for our local community who work so hard to lift and improve the reputation of our area.”

Former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale (centre) arriving at the Brisbane Magistrates Court in Brisbane on August 23, 2017. Picture: AAP/Darren England

Another Ipswich local, James Downing, wrote: “Every councillor who voted to uphold this deserves to be ejected from the council at the next election.”

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and Councillors Marnie Doyle, Andrew Fechner, and Kate Kunzelmann responded quickly to the backlash, formerly requesting the council hold a special meeting and giving notice of a motion to repeal the decision to reinstate Mr Pisasale’s name to the council assets.

The mayor and councillors said they would push to have both the bridge and road renamed in consultation with the relevant indigenous groups, as the community had indicated it wanted.

“Our residents right across the entire city reacted immediately to the decision of this council last week, they were outraged and extremely disappointed by the decision. The sentiment was also shared by many community leaders across our state who have come out publicly to condemn the decisions,” the councillors said.

“Both residents and community leaders have made it abundantly clear that as elected representatives we are expected to make decisions in line with community values, standards and expectations, and last week’s decision falls well short of that, and to have a convicted criminal and sex offender’s name on any public asset is not acceptable.

“We intend to listen to the community and stand up for all victims of sexual violence, and for the residents of our community who do not want to honour someone responsible for one of the darkest chapters in our city’s history.

“All councillors will now need to decide if they intend to continue honouring a man convicted of serious crimes, including sex offences, or if they will listen to the community and reverse their decision.”

The controversial matter will next be discussed at a special meeting of Ipswich City Council on Tuesday, July 12.

Councillor Russell Milligan, who voted to reinstate the names of Pisasale Dr and Paul Pisasale Bridge last week, also released a statement in the aftermath of the decision, sharing his deep regret and apologising “without reservation” to anyone he offended.

He said he owned his part in the decision but believed he did not have the time to “fully understand” all relevant information, or to seek specialist advice, before he was asked to vote on the matter.

“During the debate, I became focused on the technical aspect of having a road left unnamed and concluded that the safest option was to reset to the original status quo. This is a decision that I now deeply regret,” he said.

“Having had time to reconsider and hear the concerns of my community, I admit that I had made the wrong decision. I intend to work with my fellow councillors to amend my mistake.

“Without reservation, I unconditionally apologise to anyone who is a victim of crime, especially sexual assault, and in particular, anyone who was a victim of the crimes committed by the former Mayor of Ipswich, Mr Paul Pisasale.

“I sincerely apologise to the voters of Division 4 who have trusted me to do the right thing on behalf of our city. I also deeply apologise to the CEO and hardworking officers of Ipswich City Council for any hurt and embarrassment I may have caused them.”

Cr Milligan said he had learned from the experience, promising to do better in the future, and hoped to be afforded the opportunity to correct the council’s decision and strip the public infrastructure of Mr Pisasale’s name.

Councillors will consider repealing their June 30 resolution at a special meeting of council on Tuesday, July 12.