Brisbane City Councillor Peter Cumming opens up after drink driving charges

EXCLUSIVE: A longstanding Brisbane councillor has opened up about the alcohol problem which marked the end of his once-decorated political career.

A veteran Brisbane councillor has opened up about his “foolish” alcohol problem which brought a sad end to an otherwise decorated political career stretching three decades.

Labor councillor for Wynnum Manly, Peter Cumming will resign in late April from the seat he has held since 1994 after being charged with drink driving on Christmas Eve last year.

Cr Cumming was handed a six-month license disqualification and probation period in court last month after recording a blood-alcohol level of 0.134 per cent when police reportedly found him slumped over the wheel of his Council-owned car following the work-related Christmas party.

Cr Peter Cumming will resign in April. Picture: John Gass

The 62-year-old, who turns 63 in April, confirmed a female nominee was expected to take his place in May, ending his 29-year tenure on the bayside.

Cr Cumming said he had sought help since the incident, needing to address his issues with alcohol.

“I do have a problem with alcohol in the sense that I’ve behaved foolishly when I was under the influence,” he said.

Cr Peter Cumming after his appearance at Wynnum Magistrates Court in January. Picture: Lyndon Mechieklsen/Courier Mail

“I think there is a problem there but it’s not like I’m an alcoholic, drinking a bottle of spirits every night or anything like that.

“I still think I’m a disgrace.

“I have sought out help through my GP … under the probational order I’ve got to have alcohol counselling so I’ve organised to see a counsellor.

“I’ve got to get that done and I will be doing that for sure.”

Cr Cumming said he didn’t want to “buy in” to the comparisons to Redlands City Council Mayor Karen Williams, who lost her licence for six months and was ordered to do 80 hours of community service after pleading guilty to a high-range drink-driving charge last year.

He also believed politicians were under a lot of pressure and faced significant scrutiny but said that didn’t play a role in his case.

Cr Peter Cumming is looking back on his long career. Picture: John Gass

Although Cr Cumming did not drive the car before being flagged down by police, the former opposition leader said it should never have gotten to that point and he “should have just walked home”.

Despite a difficult past two months, Cr Cumming insisted it was his own decision to step down.

“A lot of people are fearful that I’ve been forced out but I assure them that’s not the case,” he said.
“It’s time for me to give someone else a go and it’s time for a woman to represent Wynnum Manly.

“I would have made the same decision even if this didn’t happen.

Cumming has been sentenced for the offence. Picture: Lyndon Mechieklsen/Courier Mail

“Quite frankly I’m the obvious one to retire, I’ve had a good run with 29 years and eight elections and everything,

“I’m 62 so it’s time for someone else to have a go.

“Historically we’ve had no female representatives in the Brisbane City Council from Wynnum Manly and we’ve been in since 1952 and it’s always been men.”

Wynnum Manly has only had only four councillors in the past 70 years including George Clayton, Eric Shaw, Don Randall and Cr Cumming.

Cumming still believed he would leave a good legacy behind after 29 years in the Wynnum Manly ward. Picture: John Gass

He said he believed he had a legacy of taking the area to new heights during his almost 30 years in charge.

Cr Cumming nominated foreshore upgrades along the Esplanade, the Wynnum Library, and the medium-density nine and six-storey units being built in the area as the best examples of the legacy he has left.

He also thanked community groups in Wynnum Manly, who he said had been a pleasure to deal with, whether they be sporting clubs, service clubs or local churches.

“The area will be a lot less well off if we did not have so many community groups providing services to the general public,” Cr Cumming said.

He also planned to be more involved in Wynnum Manly Table Tennis after he retires and even coach local cricket or soccer.

The Labor Party has opened expressions of interest to replace Cr Cumming with four candidates putting their hands up — all are females.

The new councillor is expected to be sworn in at a full Council meeting in May.