LOGAN mayor Luke Smith used his first day of suspension to call a press conference on the steps of the Logan City Council Chambers.
He revealed he learned of his suspension via a Channel 7 tweet, still did not know the details of what that meant and described the implementation of legislation which gives the Queensland government the power to sack mayors and councillors facing charges “a debacle”.
“I feel like I’ve been robbed of the opportunity to serve the city of Logan and those people who ticked the box in March 2016 to support me,” he said.
Cr Smith was one of five mayors suspended after new laws passed Parliament last week.
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, all on full pay. They cannot appeal the suspensions.
Cr Smith said councils around Queensland received a general email about “legislation pending” on Friday but no details of what that meant. He phoned Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe for clarification, was put through to the chief of staff and was told the matter would be dealt with after which he thought he would receive a call.
Cr Smith said he received an email yesterday, just moments before the 10.30am press conference but had no further details about how the suspension would play out.
“I don’t know what is expected of me, if I’m allowed in the building, if I can talk to staff or what the details of my remuneration will be,” he said.
Cr Smith and Cr Stacey McIntosh were also suspended after the passing of local government reform legislation which gives the government the power to suspend mayors and councillors who face criminal charges.
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Cr Smith was charged on March 26 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. Cr McIntosh’s suspension was triggered by a stealing charge.
Cr Smith said he would not speak about matters before the court but said he “remained defiant in the presumption of my innocence”.
He said he would fight matters before the court and have them dealt with “quickly as possible so I can get back to a job I thoroughly enjoy”.
He was proud of his 12 years in council and said the business of Logan would run full steam ahead, delivered by the CEO, acting mayor Cherie Dalley and 2000 council staffers who remained dedicated to the jobs they do.
