Redland mayor under investigation over Facebook claim on island trip

A bayside mayor is under investigation after complaints to the state’s local government watchdog about claims she made in a Facebook video that she was not invited to a key council event.

Redland City Council will investigate its mayor, Jos Mitchell, after she posted a video on Facebook claiming she was absent from a key council island forum because we “weren’t invited”.

A bayside mayor is facing scrutiny after a referral from the Office of the Independent Assessor concerning potential code of conduct breaches.

Redland City Council has resolved to investigate two separate complaints lodged against Mayor Jos Mitchell following allegations about her absence from a council forum on a bay island.

Allegations about a potential breach of councillor conduct stem from a video Mayor Mitchell posted on Facebook in December about a council trip to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

In the video, the mayor explains her non-attendance at the council tour, a trip originally reported as a key event involving councillors and senior staff.

In clarifying why she had not attended, Cr Mitchell said she and other councillors were not invited to the forum.

Her remarks prompted claims in a recent council meeting that she had misrepresented the circumstances, and led to complaints lodged with the Queensland Office of the Independent Assessor.

The matter was discussed at a January council meeting, resulting in the council voting to look into two referrals from the state government watchdog but refrain from investigating a third complaint, which was withdrawn.

Redland City Council voted unanimously to investigate its mayor for an alleged conduct breach.

Councillors Peter Mitchell and Rowanne McKenzie put the request to the full council.

It was decided not to initiate an investigation under section 150 of the Local Government Act regarding the initial withdrawn complaint.

However, the council decided to investigate two additional suspected breaches in accordance with the council’s Investigations Policy but keep the investigation confidential

The resolution was carried unanimously, with all 10 participating councillors voting in favour of the plan.

Mayor Mitchell excluded herself from the meeting during the discussion and vote, with deputy mayor Julie Talty assuming the chair.

The matter arose after a Facebook post by the mayor explaining why she was absent at a council forum on a bay island in December.

Councillor Shane Rendalls reportedly organised the forum, which included councillors and the executive leadership team.

Mayor Mitchell claimed she was absent because she had not been invited, stating in a social media video that she had been excluded.

Last week, Mayor Jos Mitchell and Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding, second left, complained that they had been gagged. Councillors Paul Tully, left, and Rowanne McKenzie, second right, disagreed.

Councillors have alleged that an email was sent inviting the mayor to the event but declined due to a scheduling conflict, the meeting heard.

The claims led to complaints to the OIA, with accusations that the public has been misled.

Mayor Mitchell’s tenure has been marked by tensions within the council.

During her election campaign, she was critical of the council’s operations, leading to strained relationships with staff and fellow councillors.

Since her election, several high-ranking officials, including the CEO and the head of council’s People and Culture department, have resigned.

Mayor Mitchell has also faced criticism for her “Follow for Facts” social media videos.

The two new conduct breach referrals will be investigated and presented at a future general meeting, possibly in March.

Council insiders say the political climate within the council remains tense, with divisions between Mayor Mitchell and her colleagues becoming increasingly apparent, days before she sets off on an international Olympic tour of Europe.

Last week, the mayor made headlines after holding interviews with state media to claim she had been gagged.

Originally published as Redland mayor under investigation over Facebook claim on island trip