REDLANDS councillors have backed calls for an independent investigation into serious allegations raised by Mayor Jos Mitchell.
Cr Rowanne McKenzie said she supported a transparent process to test the Mayor’s allegations, which include claims of “rude, disrespectful, belittling, threatening, intimidating, bullying and harassing” behaviour at an unnamed meeting on Monday, April 27.
“I did not attend any meetings with the Mayor on the day the incident is alleged to have taken place,” she said.
Cr Shane Rendalls said there was a clear need for the claims to be examined.
“I fully support an independent investigation into the rude, disrespectful, belittling, threatening, intimidating, bullying and harassing behaviour the Mayor reports she experienced on Monday, April 27,” he said.
Cr Jason Colley said his position on poor conduct had been made clear since the start of his time on Council.
“There is no place for this sort of behaviour anywhere, let alone in government,” he said.
Independent councillor Paul Golle said he believed the seriousness of the claims warranted escalation to an external integrity body such as the Crime and Corruption Commission so they can be independently assessed.
“There is a clear need to separate political narrative from verified fact, and to ensure all parties are afforded procedural fairness,” he said.
Cr Tracey Huges said she supported an independent and impartial process to provide clarity for the community.
“I think it is important that our community have clarity of what may be acknowledged as truly inappropriate personal behaviour verses possible crying political wolf allegations,” she said.
Cr Peter Mitchell said it was the Mayor’s responsibility to pursue any concerns through the correct channels.
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said established procedures already existed for grievances and allegations.
“As deputy, I remain available in support at all times, there are set procedures for grievances at all levels, and if the Mayor felt in anyway threatened in any circumstance, she knows those procedures and is duty bound to provide the details and evidence of the wrongdoing to the appropriate authority,” Cr Talty said.
State Members Rebecca Young, Amanda Stoker and Russell Field said they were not aware of any specific meeting being identified in the Mayor’s claims.
Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce president Suzie Tafolo said the situation was impacting confidence across the business community.
“Situations like this, especially when they keep arising, damage business confidence and community sentiment,” she said.
“No one likes this ongoing back-and-forth. It is important the matter is handled transparently and resolved efficiently.”
Mayor Jos Mitchell did not respond to further requests for comment on whether she has lodged a formal complaint in relation to the incident or whether she would welcome an independent investigation into the allegations raised.
In responding to an earlier media enquiry seeking clarification about the exact meeting, Mayor Mitchell would only confirm it did not involve Council.
