Ipswich mayor Andrew Antoniolli arrested, charged with seven counts of fraud
Andrew Antoniolli will fight to save his name after being arrested and charged with seven counts of fraud by the CCC.
Queensland Labor is moving to distance itself from a second Ipswich mayor in a year, with moves to expel Andrew Antoniolli from the party after he was charged by the corruption watchdog.
It is understood a show cause notice is being issued to Mr Antoniolli, a long time Labor member.
Former mayor Paul Pisasale was also booted from the party last year after he was first charged by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Antoniolli has been charged with seven offences nearly a year after his predecessor stood down and was later charged with corruption offences.
Cr Antoniolli, 47, met with Crime and Corruption Commission investigators at Ipswich watch-house this afternoon where he was charged with seven counts of fraud.
“The CCC will allege the man utilised Ipswich City Council funds for his own use to purchase auction items from charitable organisations between 26 October 2011 and 20 May 2017,” the watchdog said in a statement.
He was bailed and is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 16.
Shortly after he was bailed, Cr Antoniolli issued a statement saying he would fight the charges.
“It is with much disappointment and frustration I confirm that today I was charged by the CCC,” he said.
“Let me be clear — I have never been involved in corrupt or criminal activity and I intend to fight these charges.
“These charges will not define me.”
Cr Antoniolli stood by the “platform of accountability and transparency” he took to the election last year in the wake of Mr Pisasale’s charges.
“I have been committed to bringing about much-needed change at Ipswich City Council — cultural change, policy change, governance change, leadership change,” he said.
“I promised to lift the veil of secrecy and to review our policies and procedures to increase transparency, and while there is more work to be done, we have made incredible inroads in regards to significant culture and governance reform.
“I have a wonderful executive team, professional staff serving the community, and a loving family.
“I have served our city and its people for 18 years, 28 years if you include my time as police officer and I do not intend to step down any time soon.”
Cr Antoniolli was elected in August 2017 in a by-election triggered by the resignation of long-serving mayor Paul Pisasale.
After his resignation in June 2017, Mr Pisasale, who quit due to health concerns, was charged with several offences, including corruption, by the CCC.
More than 10 people have been charged over the CCC’s wide-ranging investigation into the council.
Just before his election last year, Mr Antoniolli told The Australian hat he wanted to bring transparency and integrity to the council.
He had been elected to council 17 years ago after 10 years as a police officer.
“I present myself as the obvious alternative; I might be on the council at the moment, but there’s not a question mark against my integrity. I’ve not been under investigation,” Mr Antoniolli said at the time.
“People might want to make absurd allegations … people seem to think we knew. How can I be held accountable when I’m at home with my family or doing the work of a councillor?”
Mr Antoniolli, a Labor member, but did not run as a Labor candidate.
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