Local Government Minister to ‘monitor’ Cairns Regional Council as councillors lose faith in Mayor’s leadership

Queensland’s Local Government Minister will take no immediate action against Cairns Mayor Amy Eden following her latest council scandal as pressure mounts on authorities to finally intervene.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden chairs an ordinary meeting at the council chambers. Picture: Brendan Radke

Queensland’s Local Government Minister will take no immediate action against Cairns Mayor Amy Eden following the latest council scandal.

But Ann Leahy has warned that Cairns Regional Council will be under her department’s watchful eye as the city’s top office holder tries to win back the confidence of councillors and constituents.

Local Government Minister Ann Leahy will keep a close eye on Cairns Regional Council over the coming months. Picture: Brendan Radke

The minister refused to discuss any matters related to Ms Eden and potential investigations by the state’s top watchdogs, despite her predecessor flagging that issues with the mayor had already been raised with the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) in 2024.

The mayor has faced criticism for hiring her campaign adviser, John Andrejic, as the council’s interim CEO last year, with Division One councillor Brett Moller highlighting the conflict of interest concern and possible breaches to the Local Government Act.

Cairns Regional Council chief executive Ken Gouldthorp was appointed to the role in October. Picture: Brendan Radke

Questionable spending of ratepayer money on staff payouts, public events, councillor workshops and office upgrades has also drawn criticism from community leaders.

But a scathing email from Ms Eden about new CEO Ken Gouldthorp, sent on Christmas Eve, then her refusal to apologise to him for the disparaging remarks earlier this month, has ultimately led councillors to unite against her.

Local Government Minister Ann Leahy at Townsville City Council last November. Picture: Evan Morgan

In a statement, Ms Leahy confirmed the councillor revolt in the Far North had caught her attention.

“I am aware of recent media reports concerning tensions between Cairns Regional Council councillors,” she said.

“My office and department will continue to monitor (the) council’s delivery of services to its communities.”

Mayor Troy Thompson at a Townsville City Council meeting prior to being suspended last year. Picture: Shae Beplate.

While the possibility of a no confidence motion in the mayor has been raised by some councillors, concern remains as to what the consequences of such an extraordinary action might be.

Under the Local Government Act 2009, there is no provision requiring the Local Government Minister to take action in the case of a vote of no confidence being carried against a mayor.

Disgraced Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson served for a further five months after such a motion was delivered against him, with the civic leader finally suspended last November.

Ms Eden batted away multiple questions regarding her relationship with councillors at a press conference on Tuesday.

“At the moment, I’m really focused on partnering with our state and federal governments to deliver for the community of Cairns,” she said.

“That’s what I was elected to do, and that’s what I’m focused on doing.”

It is understood that Ms Leahy has noted the councillors acted in accordance with the Act to exclude the mayor from participating in the decision making process to appoint Mr Gouldthorp as the council’s new CEO in October.

This week, Member for Cairns Michael Healy raised concerns about “dysfunction” within the council under Ms Eden’s leadership.

Originally published as Local Government Minister to ‘monitor’ Cairns Regional Council as councillors lose faith in Mayor’s leadership