Gold Coast City Council Cameron Caldwell’s help from lobbyist Simone Holzapfel

GOLD Coast City Council planning committee chairman Cameron Caldwell received campaign help by leading lobbyist Simone Holzapfel, the Crime and Corruption Commission hearing has been told.

Lobbyist Simone Holzapfel at the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) hearing in Brisbane, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Ms Holzapfel will today be questioned as part of investigation into conduct of candidates involved in the 2016 local government elections for the Gold Coast City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Ipswich City Council. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

GOLD Coast City Council planning committee chairman Cameron Caldwell received campaign help from leading lobbyist Simone Holzapfel, the Crime and Corruption Commission hearing has been told.

The Bulletin has previously revealed that Ms Holzapfel worked on the campaigns of Mayor Tom Tate, Gary Baildon, Kristyn Boulton, Felicity Stevenson and Pauline Young.

Visit to Tipplers with Mayor Tom Tate and Cameron Caldwell. Picture: Richard Gosling

While other candidates, when pressed by the Bulletin after the March 2016 poll, revealed their connection with Ms Holzapfel’s Shac Communications public relations company, Mr Caldwell at the time declined to comment.

He indicated he would provide full details of contributors to his campaign when required by the Queensland Electoral Commission.

Gold Coast City Councillor Kristyn Boulton leaves a hearing at the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) in Brisbane, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Cr Boulton gave evidence in an investigation into conduct of candidates involved in the 2016 local government elections for the Gold Coast City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Ipswich City Council. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Ms Holzapfel yesterday said the services provided by her company to candidates included graphic design and strategic advice on campaigning.

Ms Holzapfel confirmed invoices of $5000 each had been sent from her company after providing services for candidates Councillor Boulton and Felicity Stevenson. She revealed Pauline Young, who would win the Burleigh division, paid $11,000 for services.

Lobbyist Simone Holzapfel arrives for a hearing at the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) in Brisbane, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Ms Holzapfel will today be questioned as part of investigation into conduct of candidates involved in the 2016 local government elections for the Gold Coast City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Ipswich City Council. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Cr Boulton, during her evidence yesterday, acknowledged she had not mentioned Shac Communications on her disclosure form to the Commission.

She said she paid the $5000 to Shac after the poll in weekly instalments of $1000 after an agreement with Ms Holzapfel, her former flatmate. “I got to the end of my campaign and had no money,” she said.

Lobbyist Simone Holzapfel arrives for a hearing at the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) in Brisbane, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Ms Holzapfel will today be questioned as part of investigation into conduct of candidates involved in the 2016 local government elections for the Gold Coast City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Ipswich City Council. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

When questioned about the Fadden Forum Ms Holzapfel said, as a former LNP member, it was possible to contribute by attending functions or paying membership. Asked what the funds were used for, she replied that it was “for every election of a Liberal Government”.

Federal MP Stuart Robert arrives for a hearing at the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) in Brisbane, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Mr Roberts will today be questioned as part of investigation into conduct of candidates involved in the 2016 local government elections for the Gold Coast City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Ipswich City Council. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled