Balonne Shire councillor Ian Todd responds to misconduct investigation by the Councillor Conduct Tribunal

A sitting Balonne Shire councillor claims the ‘drawn-out’ investigation by a tribunal over misconduct showed a ‘complete lack of understanding’ for him and his family.

A sitting Balonne Shire councillor who was found to have engaged in misconduct by a tribunal says the investigation has taken a toll on himself and his family.

The Councillor Conduct Tribunal found that Ian Todd failed to disclose his personal interest as a local irrigator at a meeting that adopted policy governing the sale of council water entitlements in February, 2019.

The CCT said by failing to disclose his interests as required by law, Cr Todd “did not act ethically and knowingly breached the trust placed in him as a councillor”.

Cr Todd said the two-and-a-half-year process showed a “complete lack of understanding” of how it affected him and his family.

“Importantly this action was not initiated by the Balonne Shire Council or a complaint from a member of the public, rather it was an action initiated by the Office of Independent Assessor,” Cr Todd said.

“I have had no personal gain from the adopting of the Temporary Transfer of Cap Policy.”

Cr Todd denied he had a conflict of interest when the procedure on applications for excess water entitlements from the St George Water Supply Scheme was passed at a council meeting in February, 2019.

The CCT found however that as a local irrigator and water entitlement holder, he was eligible to apply for and be awarded excess water under the policy.

Cr Todd said he had always acted in the best interest of the people in the Balonne Shire, and believed he always “acted in good faith” with council laws about conflicts of interest.

He added that he and his wife represent only 0.6 per cent of the St George Water Supply Scheme by volume and numbers.

Cr Ian Todd.

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole said the council was pleased a decision had finally been handed down after the CCT’s investigation began last year.

“There have been rolling reforms since 2018 to strengthen the transparency, accountability and integrity measures that apply to the system of local government in Queensland,” Mrs O’Toole said.

“These rolling reforms have caused significant confusion and mixed messaging around conflicts of interest.

“Balonne Shire Councillors, including Cr Todd, have undertaken numerous training sessions with the Department, Integrity Commissioner and the Local Government Association of Queensland up to twice a year, and the requirements around conflict of interest are now better understood.”

Cr Todd said he was undecided on whether he would appeal the decision.