Council probe taking shape
The list of people to appear at Queensland's corruption watchdog council election inquiry has been released.
The state’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has called Federal MP Stuart Robert, Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland and Ipswich councillor Paul Tully among other high-profile politicians to give evidence.
The hearings are part of Operation Belcarra – an investigation into the conduct of candidates at the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay and Ipswich elections.
Its purpose is to gather information about possible criminal offences and to canvass broader issues related to corruption and integrity in local government.
The CCC has warned that because Operation Belcarra is ongoing, it may serve further notices to attend hearings.
The CCC is also inviting a number of experts on the broader issues related to corruption and integrity in local government.
After elections in March last year, it was alleged Mr Robert channelled money from his federal Liberal National Party campaign fund - the Fadden Forum - to council candidates standing as independents.
Mr Robert gave candidates Kristyn Boulton and Felicity Stevenson - both former staffers in Mr Robert's electorate office - $30,000 each to run their campaigns, but denies he was trying to influence the council's composition.
He did, however, admit that he wanted to stop Labor candidates making it onto the council.
The Australian reports that unions also provided funding and volunteers for ‘independent’’ candidates.
“Mr Robert looks forward to assisting the CCC with their investigation into last year's Gold Coast City Council elections, particularly given recent revelations of over $37,000 in undeclared CFMEU expenditure provided to a Labor-aligned candidate,” a statement released by Mr Robert’s office says.
“In contrast the LNP has properly disclosed all donations.”