A BAYSIDE mayor has launched legal action against her own council’s most senior legal officer in a dramatic move likely to escalate internal tensions within the organisation.
A Claim and Statement of Claim were filed in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on April 10, confirming the matter of Jocelyn Mitchell v Andrew Ross is now before the court.
The legal dispute reportedly centres on an internal email sent by Mr Ross late last year to Redland City councillors, including the Mayor, and senior staff.
The email included a PowerPoint presentation titled Managing Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace, and allegedly detailed Mr Ross’s own negative experiences and referenced Mayor Mitchell and a member of her staff.
Although Mr Ross is understood to have later issued an apology, sources say it was rejected by the Mayor.
No application has yet been made to proceed to a hearing.
Mr Ross has held senior legal and risk roles at Redland City Council for more than two decades.
He currently serves as City Solicitor, chairs the Operational Risk Management Committee, and liaises with the Crime and Corruption Commission.
He declined to comment when contacted.
Elected in March 2024, Mayor Mitchell is a nationally accredited mediator, having gained her qualification in 2018 with a focus on workplace conflict.
Her official Council biography highlights a strong interest in workplace culture and wellbeing, and a passion for team building.
The dispute comes amid broader upheaval at the Council following the March 2024 election, including the departure of the CEO, CFO, GM for People and Culture, GM of Infrastructure and Operations, and several senior finance and governance staff.
While no ratepayer funds are being used to support the Mayor’s case, Mr Ross’s defence is likely to be covered under a Council insurance policy.
Given the seniority of those involved, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on Council’s internal operations.
A spokesperson for Local Government Minister Ann Leahy said it would be inappropriate to comment on matters currently before the Magistrates Court.
“Council ratepayers expect their elected representatives to get on with the job of delivering for their community,” the spokesperson said.
A Claim and Statement of Claim can be used to initiate proceedings in the Magistrates Court for both fixed and unquantified amounts, including damages. Matters involving up to $150,000 can be heard in this jurisdiction.
Before proceeding to trial, parties must attend a mandatory settlement conference – facilitated by a court registrar – to explore potential resolution or narrow the issues in dispute.
Details of the legal claim remain confidential, and no court date has been set.
A Redland City Council spokesperson said the Council was aware of the matter but declined to comment.
“As it is before the court, it would be inappropriate for Council to comment,” the spokesperson said.
Mayor Mitchell said it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.
It’s not the first time Mayor Mitchell has found herself embroiled in a workplace dispute.
As a former Byron Shire Council manager, Ms Mitchell spoke out about what she described as a culture of bullying within the organisation.
She detailed the personal and professional toll of what she said was systematic bullying over an extended period – claims that were later upheld in a successful WorkCover NSW compensation case.
