Pastor Sue Baynes’ opinions on same sex marriage, Safe Schools after being appointed Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate’s spiritual adviser

Ratepayer paid spiritual adviser to the Mayor, Pastor Sue Baynes is no stranger to controversial opinions, issuing several when standing as a political candidate.

The Mayor’s ratepayer-paid spiritual adviser was against same-sex marriage and the Safe Schools program aimed to protect the bullying of gay and transgender students, it can be revealed.

Pastor Sue Baynes was also a strong supporter of development and the controversial Wavebreak Island cruise ship terminal when standing previously as a political candidate.

Sue Baynes in a photograph when she ran for the Senate representing the Family First Party. Picture: Scott Fletcher

The Prayer Room created on the ground floor at the Gold Coast City Council’s Evandale Chambers.

The Bulletin last week reported the Mayor had employed Ms Baynes as his pastoral adviser and released details about a “prayer room” at council.

Councillors discovered the room on their way to lunch at the Evandale Chambers.

A “prayer room” sign is on the door, which is on the ground floor opposite the chamber.

Ms Baynes declined to comment about her role this week, but interviews given several years ago show she was outspoken in her views as a Family First candidate during two attempts to gain political office.

In 2016 Ms Baynes, as the Coast Family First senate candidate, was asked about her position on the Safe Schools program, which aims to protect the bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students at school.

The former teacher and pastor told the Bulletin at the time: “The content is not age appropriate.”

Asked about marriage equality, Mr Baynes added: “We want to keep the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.”

On the then controversial Wavebreak Island cruise ship terminal, Ms Baynes said. “I support it so long as it passes the environmental studies.”

Tom Tate was baptised at Evandale Lake during a combined churches service. Rodger Baynes and Marshall Gray assist Pastor Sue Baynes (out of shot) back in 2018. Picture: Mike Batterham

Picture: Mike Batterham

She had earlier gained only 3.95 per cent of the vote when running for the state seat of Burleigh in the 2015 state election.

The Bulletin this week asked Ms Baynes if she still maintained the same views. Mayor Tate was asked if he knew of her views and had any concerns.

Only Mayor Tate, who is overseas, offered to make comment.

“Like every employee in council, any personal views they have are just that – personal – and rightly should remain so,” he said.

Sue and Rodger Baynes at Mayor Tom Tate’s birthday at Tag Heuer Watch Boutique, Pacific Fair in January 2022. Picture: Regina King

“In 10 years as mayor, I don’t recall ever being asked such personal questions of any staff member.

“The officer was appointed to a vacant position that existed in my office. It is on a casual basis and the officer is working diligently to assist hundreds of community groups across the city on a range of issues. That is what is important to ratepayers.’’

In an Evangelism in Australia podcast, Ms Baynes recalled how she met Mr Tate before he became mayor when, as a candidate, he reached out to all pastors in the city.

Of her role, she said: “I do this because I love the Lord. I love this city. And believe God has great things for the Gold Coast.”

Ms Baynes baptised Mayor Tom Tate in 2018, in a public event leading up to the Commonwealth Games.

The council was again asked to provide a ballpark figure on the cost of employing a spiritual Adviser and prayer room.

Originally published as Pastor Sue Baynes’ opinions on same sex marriage, Safe Schools after being appointed Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate’s spiritual adviser