Mayor Tom Tate takes defamation action against councillor

MAYOR Tom Tate is embroiled in a legal battle with councillor Peter Young and has confirmed today that he has taken defamation action against the hinterland-based councillor.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate in council chambers. Picture Mike Batterham

GOLD Coast Mayor Tom Tate and councillor Peter Young are embroiled in a legal war.

The Mayor today confirmed he had taken defamation action against rival Councillor Young but vowed he would continue to work with the hinterland-based councillor.

Councillor Young, before full council went into closed session today, first made public the legal dispute.

Councillor Peter Young and Tom Tate. Photo: Jerad Williams

In declaring a potential perceived conflict of interest on an item, Cr Young revealed he had received two letters from Hickey Lawyers on behalf of the Mayor alleging he had made defamatory comments.

Cr Young said the allegations included that he was the “mayor’s political opponent” and allegedly “motivated by malice”.

Outside the chamber, the Mayor indicated the legal proceedings against Cr Young were sparked by the recent ABC Four Corners report in September about developer donations and councillors.

He said his lawyers had also advised him to “press the go button” on defamation action against the ABC as well.

Cr Tate declined to go into detail about the legal action but talking about the program said “it hurt me very much”.

Asked if he could work with Cr Young, he replied: “I think my training as an engineer, basically you look at the problem, you solve the problem and take the personality out of it.

“It’s not in my mind, I have to say to you. It’s a legal issue that will take it’s own course.”

EARLIER

MAYOR Tom Tate this morning returned to his first public function since recovery from bowel surgery, chairing the last full council meeting of the year.

Councillor Tate had hoped to return earlier but Deputy Mayor Donna Gates was forced to chair the most recent meeting after he had complications from surgery.

The 58-year-old had to cancel his appearance at last weekend’s Mayor’s Christmas Carols at the Broadwater Parklands.

Dawn Crichlow in council this morning. Picture: Paul Weston

Councillors are expecting a marathon session at the Evandale chambers today.

The start of the last meeting was a mix of festive cheer and protest.

Veteran councillor Dawn Crichlow was decked out in Christmas gear, but in the gallery several protesters threatened to turn their backs on the Mayor as they continue their campaign about Black Swan Lake at Bundall.

Cr Tate shared a story of his hospital visit with councillors, about how he received a get well video message on his mobile telephone from visiting US masters champion Sergio Garcia.

“I’m in hospital and there’s a message on my phone. It’s wonderful a USA masters winner to do that. It’s a keeper that one,” he said.