Toowoomba Regional Council won’t release report revealing ‘inappropriate conduct’ by Cr Nancy Sommerfield

A report detailing a councillor’s “inappropriate conduct” during an email correspondence with a council officer remains secret, with the TRC denying access to it.

Nancy Sommerfield. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Toowoomba Regional Council has refused to release any version of a report that details “inappropriate conduct” committed by a councillor.

The council’s information communications and technology branch denied a Right To Information request by The Chronicle to see the report, which was tabled at a confidential council meeting in February relating to the behaviour of Cr Nancy Sommerfield.

The Chronicle has appealed the decision with the Information Commissioner.

Councillors voted at the February 16 ordinary meeting to effectively censure Cr Sommerfield, saying she had “failed to treat a staff member appropriately” during a correspondence over email between July 7-8 last year.

The motion also resolved that Cr Sommerfield would attend training or counselling to address the conduct.

In its refusal letter to The Chronicle, RTI decision maker Shane Hinchliffe said access was denied to protect the person who had made the complaint.

“This report was submitted confidentially to council to be discussed under the best practice standing orders for local government and standing committee meetings,” the letter said.

“Additionally, the person who made the allegations requested that councillors see fit to move a motion that the meeting be closed due to potential adverse impacts on their health and safety.”