Release of information about OIA investigation into six Moreton Bay councillors slammed by LGAQ
LGAQ boss slams the leaking of information about an investigation into Moreton Bay councillors.
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THE release of confidential information about ongoing investigations into six Moreton Bay councillors has been slammed by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).
The Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) meanwhile has urged candidates and the wider community to not misuse official complaints systems in the lead-up to the March council election.
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A letter from the OIA to a resident, dated February 24 2020, stated there were active investigations involving councillors Allan Sutherland, Peter Flannery, Mike Charlton, James Houghton, Julie Greer and Koliana Winchester.
LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam called the leak “a disgusting election tactic designed to slur the councillors involved and deny them natural justice”.
“The OIA’s most recent report revealed more than 40 per cent of matters that had progressed to an investigation since its inception had been subsequently dismissed or no further action taken,” he said.
“I would hope that both the Crime and Corruption Commission and the OIA make it clear that they won’t let their offices be used and abused in this manner and affirm the right of elected members to the presumption of innocence.”
Independent Assessor Kathleen Florian called on the community to not misuse official complaints systems in the lead-up to the March election.
“The OIA’s policy is that it will not comment on whether a councillor is the subject of a misconduct investigation, unless that matter is already in the public arena,” Ms Florian said.
“The reason for this policy is that investigations may or may not result in a referral to the Councillor Conduct Tribunal, and a referral to the tribunal may or may not result in a misconduct finding.”
“There is a strict process to be followed consistent with natural justice principles and fairness”.
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