Six Moreton Bay councillors named in ongoing investigations by the Office of the Independent Assessor

Six Moreton Bay councillors have been named in ongoing investigations by the Office of the Independent Assessor.

Moreton Bay Council Strathpine office. picture: David Alexander

SIX Moreton Bay councillors have been named in several ongoing investigations by the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA).

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.

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However, it is important to note that these are investigations only and could be dismissed.

The OIA investigates claims of misconduct or inappropriate conduct by councillors, whereas the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) investigates corruption allegations.

When contacted about the letter by Pine Rivers Press, Independent Assessor Kathleen Florian said: “Consistent with our media policy, the OIA does not confirm or deny whether a councillor is under investigation unless the matter is already in the public arena”.

Cr Sutherland, who is currently suspended facing separate criminal misconduct charges brought by the CCC, is mentioned in the OIA letter in relation to “use of the MFT (Moreton Futures Trust) account during the 2016 election campaign”.

Cr Sutherland is also being investigated in another OIA matter over “his involvement with both MFT and Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT)”.

This matter became an active investigation after the CCC referred information to the OIA from its own prior investigation, which was closed on February 7.

The CCC investigation related to the renewal of a Service Level Agreement between the council and MBRIT.

It also investigated whether some councillors, including the mayor, did not disclose and manage conflicts of interests associated with MBRIT.

The CCC did not find sufficient evidence to prosecute any councillor or staff member and the investigation was closed.

The letter also stated that an ongoing investigation involving Crs Flannery, Charlton, Houghton, Greer and Winchester was regarding the June 21, 2016 meeting involving the Petrie Mill Development Area.

Both matters involving Cr Sutherland are with the OIA’s legal team for consideration.