Ipswich council takes legal action to stop moves to dismiss it

The scandal plagued Ipswich council launches legal action to stop Palaszczuk government proceeding with moves to sack it.

Stirling Hinchliffe makes a statement about Ipswich City Council. Picture: Peter Wallis.

Queensland’s scandal-plagued Ipswich council has launched legal action to stop the Palaszczuk government proceeding with moves to sack the Labor-dominated local authority.

Queensland Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has used new legal powers to demand the council convince him it should remain in place, or else face being replaced by unelected technocrats.

Fifteen Ipswich City Council officials, including two mayors, have been charged by the state’s corruption watchdog over recent months, adding to a statewide crisis of confidence in local government.

Ipswich City Council, a traditional Labor stronghold with more than 200,000 residents, today announced it had asked the Supreme Court to overturn the “show cause” notice issued by Mr Hinchliffe.

“Council is seeking orders that the Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe does not have the jurisdiction to dismiss or suspend council,” the council said in a statement.

“The orders would restrain the minister from acting any further, and allow councillors to get on with the job of managing the city.

“Ministerial powers must be exercised lawfully, and this move is to protect Queensland councils into the future by ensuring that, from the outset, these ministerial powers are appropriately applied.”

Under the new laws rushed through parliament, Mr Hinchliffe has the power to dismiss or suspend a council or councillors on public interest grounds.

The laws also automatically suspend councillors or mayors with outstanding criminal charges.

Liberal National Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said the “diabolical mess” showed that Labor was “at war with itself”.

“Labor politicians are holding crisis meetings in Ipswich about keeping their jobs and being re-elected at a state level instead of acting for the people they represent,” she said.

Mr Hinchliffe lashed the council’s “delaying tactics” and said he was “more determined than ever” to deal with alleged failures of governance.

“It’s gravely disappointing to see Ipswich City Council hiding behind new legal proceedings that clearly aren’t in the best interests of the city,” Mr Hinchliffe said in a statement.

“I will not hesitate to use any powers at my disposal, or seek new powers if necessary, to ensure council is able to serve the Ipswich community and its best interests.”