COMPLAINTS have been made to the Queensland Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) regarding a social media post by Redlands City Mayor Jos Mitchell.
The OIA is responsible for evaluating complaints related to individual councillors’ behaviour, including potential misconduct.
While the OIA has the power to dismiss complaints deemed frivolous or vexatious, Redland City News understands it has determined that the complaint against Cr Mitchell constitutes a possible breach of conduct.
As a result, this matter has been referred to Redland City Council for further investigation and a report will be brought back to the council at a future General Meeting.
Council sources have revealed that the investigation centres on allegations of a potential breach of councillor conduct, stemming from a video Cr Mitchell posted on Facebook in December concerning a council delegation visit to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI).
Cr Mitchell’s “Follow for Facts” videos, which have become a regular feature of her online engagement, were created to combat misinformation and clarify council decisions.
The video was intended to provide clarity over the Mayor’s absence from the August 2024 trip but instead raised further concerns.
Three complaints were lodged with the OIA, although one was later withdrawn, Redland City News understands.
The controversy began after an article in The Friendly Bay Islander magazine reported on the council delegation’s special visit to the SMBI islands.
The article detailed the participation of various councillors and council staff who met with local representatives and community groups.
However, questions quickly arose about why the Mayor was absent at the event.
In her social media video, Cr Mitchell sought to clarify the situation, stating: “It’s unfortunate I have to keep doing these but it’s important to set the record straight.”
In the video, Cr Mitchell explained that she was absent from the SMBI visit because she and three other councillors were not invited to attend, despite the delegation being reported as a special visit with key council representatives.
The complaints alleged that the Mayor’s online statements, particularly her suggestion that she was excluded from the delegation, could be seen as a breach of conduct.
Cr Mitchell excused herself from the confidential agenda item at last week’s council meeting to avoid any conflict of interest.
A council spokesperson said investigations, including whether an investigation is being conducted, into councillor conduct are confidential.
“Outcomes of investigations are tabled at council’s General Meeting for decision and then published on council’s website,” she said.
A spokeswoman for the OIA said she “cannot confirm nor deny whether the OIA has received a particular complaint, nor can I discuss specific matters”.
