MAYOR Luke Smith and Cr Stacey McIntosh have been suspended after the passing of local government reform legislation.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the laws, passed in Parliament last week, took effect from 12am on Monday and triggered the immediate suspension of councillors Smith and McIntosh.
Ipswich City Council mayor Andrew Antoniolli, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Edric Walden and Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Greg McLean have also been suspended.
“The mayors and councillor have been advised, as have the chief executive officers of the affected councils,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The mayors and councillor are suspended on full pay.
“They cannot appeal the suspensions.”
With regard to Cr Smith, Mr Hinchliffe said charges that triggered the legislation included official corruption and perjury.
With regard to Cr McIntosh, he said a stealing charge triggered the legislation.
Cr Smith was arrested on March 26 and charged with two counts of perjury and one each of official corruption and failing to update his register of interests. He is to reappear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on June 7.
Mr Hinchliffe said deputy mayors would assume roles and responsibilities of acting mayor.
Cr McIntosh would not be replaced.
“This action does not reflect on the outcome of the charges which will be dealt with by the courts,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
