Smith and sacked councillors face hearing over fraud allegations

A former Logan mayor and seven councillors will face a committal hearing this month over allegations they acted fraudulently by sacking a chief executive officer.

A former Queensland mayor and seven councillors will face a committal hearing this month over allegations they acted fraudulently by sacking whistleblower chief executive officer Sharon Kelsey.

Lawyers for former Logan City mayor Luke Smith and the sacked councillors appeared during a brief mention in the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday where the court was told the group will face a hearing in a fortnight.

The court heard that Ms Kelsey, who now lives in regional Victoria, may need to give evidence via video if Queensland’s border restrictions are not eased in the next two weeks.

Former Logan City mayor Luke Smith and seven former councillors will face a committal hearing this month. Picture: Darren England

The Crime and Corruption Commission charged Smith and councillors Russell Lutton, Steve Swenson, Cherie Dalley, Laurie Smith, Phil Pidgeon, Trevina Schwartz and Jennie Breene with fraud in April last year on the basis that they caused detriment to Ms Kelsey.

Smith is also facing a charge of misconduct in relation to public office.

All have denied wrongdoing.

Ms Kelsey was sacked in February 2018 just months after she had reported suspicions of corrupt conduct against Smith to the state’s corruption watchdog.

Following the charges, Logan City Council was dissolved and remained under administration until March this year when a new council was elected.

The committal hearing is expected to last two weeks and will begin on November 30.