Office of Independent Assessor dismisses claims of misconduct by Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has urged her critics to reconsider making “baseless” allegations of misconduct against her as the state’s council watchdog steps in.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has urged her critics to reconsider making allegations of political interference against her “without any evidence being produced”.

The Office of the Independent Assessor was notified of a complaint made by Ipswich councillor Nicole Jonic against Cr Harding in the wake of Ipswich City Council’s June 30 ordinary meeting, accusing her of inappropriate conduct.

In her complaint, Cr Jonic alleged Cr Harding influenced a council officer to “significantly alter” a report about removing disgraced former mayor Paul Pisasale’s name from city assets.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding. Picture: Cordell Richardson

But the complaint has since been dismissed by the Office of the Independent Assessor for its lack of foundation.

“The OIA dismissed this matter pursuant to section 150X(a)(ii) of the Local Government Act 2009 (the Act) as the conduct does not raise a reasonable suspicion of inappropriate conduct or misconduct,” the decision read.

“The OIA were advised that the report was changed due to a direction given by the CEO, not the councillor on the basis that the report contained invalid data.”

Tensions between Ipswich councillors have been on the rise for several months. Picture: Supplied

Cr Harding said she was pleased to have been cleared of any wrongdoing and urged her critics to consider the appropriateness of making such “baseless” accusations.

“I have consistently and completely rejected any accusations that I acted inappropriately, while no evidence has been produced other than innuendo and assertion,” she said.

“I call on those who have made, and continue to repeat these baseless allegations, to consider whether it is appropriate to continue repeating their false accusations against me, and what they will now do to correct the record.

“I stand by my actions and look forward to continuing to deliver integrity and transparency for the residents of Ipswich.”