Cairns mayor Amy Eden referred to corruption watchdog over conflict of interest matter

Conflict of interest concerns relating to Cairns Regional Council’s mayor over an interim CEO appointment have been referred to a top independent watchdog, the state’s Local Government Minister has confirmed.

Conflict of interest concerns related to Cairns Regional Council’s mayor over an interim CEO appointment have been referred to a top independent watchdog, the state’s Local Government Minister has confirmed.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden sensationally walked out of a press conference last Wednesday after being asked if she was under investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden and CEO John Andrejic during an ordinary Council meeting held on June 5, 2024. Picture Emily Barker.

The question was in relation to the appointment of her former campaign advisor, John Andrejic, to the role of interim chief executive in late May.

Mr Andrejic is not accused of any wrongdoing.

In a statement issued that afternoon, the mayor, who chaired a recruitment panel which recommended her advisor as the top candidate, said she wasn’t “aware” of any investigation.

Ms Eden has repeatedly denied any conflict of interest.

Queensland Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon speaks during Question Time at Parliament House in Brisbane. Photo: Dan Peled / NewsWire

But while visiting Cairns to make a housing announcement on Tuesday, Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the relevant authorities had been informed of the matter.

“I understand that there have been allegations made,” Ms Scanlon said.

“Those have been put to the relevant authorities. For that reason, I have to be careful with any comments that I make.

“We have relevant independent bodies that are independent for good reason and investigate any allegations that are put forward.

“If there are any recommendations for me, then I’ll announce those (in due course).”

The Cairns Post had previously reported that information relating to the recruitment process had been passed on to the Office of the Independent Assessor, with the CCC made aware of the matter soon after.

Any concerns raised around the conduct of councillors within local government were thoroughly assessed, Ms Scanlon said.

“When it comes to the attention of the Department (of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works) that there may be any allegation of wrongdoing, the Department refers those matters to the OIA or the CCC where it’s appropriate,” she said.

“When we are advised of any such information, we take those steps really seriously.

Meanwhile, the OIA confirmed it received a separate complaint from Cairns Regional Council regarding the publication of leaked documents featured in the Cairns Post recently.

“As the matter is currently under assessment, the OIA has no further comment on the matter at this time,” an OIA spokeswoman said.

A Cairns Regional Council spokesman confirmed it has lodged a complaint with the Office of the Independent Assessor regarding leaked documents that raised concerns around the interim CEO’s appointment. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Council spokesman said senior officers had legal obligations to refer allegations to the CCC and suspected ‘misconduct’ to the OIA.

“It is an offence for an employee to release information that the person knows or ought to reasonably know is confidential,” he said.

Last week, Mr Andrejic contacted media outlets to complain about coverage of the Mayor’s decision to walk out of her own press conference.

The Cairns Post has requested a sit-down interview with the interim chief executive and Mayor.

A council spokesperson said neither Mr Andrejic, nor Ms Eden had been contacted by the CCC.

Originally published as Cairns mayor Amy Eden referred to corruption watchdog over conflict of interest matter