Latest formal complaints levelled against Southern Downs councillors revealed

From allegations of drunk and disorderly conduct at a public event to online bullying, these are the most recent complaints made against Southern Downs representatives.

Multiple new complaints against Southern Downs councillors have come to light, including accusations of drunk and disorderly conduct and online bullying.

Residents can submit formal written complaints against the region’s representatives alleging they have breached one or more elements of the Local Government Act (2009).

Each must then be investigated and ultimately either taken further or dismissed by the Office of the independent Assessor.

The first new complaint lodged against a Southern Downs representative was dated June 16 and alleged that “a councillor was intoxicated and behaved in an inappropriate manner during a public event”.

It was dismissed by the OIA on the grounds it was deemed “an unjustifiable use of resources to deal with the matter further”.

“In considering whether to refer this matter for an investigation, the complainant advised the OIA that the witnesses who had direct evidence of the councillor’s conduct were reluctant to provide formal statements about the incident,” the report read.

A second complaint submitted only weeks later on July 3 accused a Southern Downs councillor of “online bullying towards members of the community and ex-members of the council/committees of Warwick”.

The OIA on this occasion decided the allegations did not raise any reasonable suspicion of misconduct.

“The complainant had been contacted by an officer of the OIA and requested to provide further information to support the allegation,” the report read.

“(They) were advised if no further information was received, the OIA would have to assess the matter on the information it had. No further information was received by the OIA.”

Councillor Andrew Gale confirmed this second complaint was made in regards to his social media profile, and reaffirmed his support for the complaints process despite the unsubstantiated allegations.

“I support the complaint system and I have no issues with having to be subjected to higher standards as a consequence of being a councillor,” Cr Gale said.

“I also support that people can make anonymous complaints without fear of retribution. Obviously this anonymity can and is abused but there is a balance between protecting complainants and misuse that will always exist.

“I certainly would never engage in the type of behaviour alleged in this complaint and I suppose that enables me to sleep well at night knowing that people can complain all they like.”

Both complaints were listed anonymously.

Southern Downs Regional Council was asked for more information about the complaints, but a spokeswoman said it would not be appropriate for the council to comment given the involvement of the OIA.

More than 20 accusations have been levelled against Southern Downs councillors within the past year, including an allegation of a “breach of trust” over the Emu Swamp Dam project.

For the full list of complaints within the past year, click here.