REDLAND councillors are under the microscope, with the city recording the highest number of complaints against elected representatives in Queensland.
The Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) received 1008 complaints in 2024/25 – more than six times the 160 it was originally designed to handle.
Redland led the state with 114 complaints, narrowly edging out Townsville on 113.
Independent Assessor Bronwyn Blagoev said the surge was partly driven by new councils grappling with social media and the Local Government Act.
“These are hard things that new councillors need to get their heads around. We have seen unprecedented social media activity with respect to both councils,” she said.
Across the state, 81 per cent of complaints were dismissed.
But Redland councillors say the process can be stressful and sometimes misused.
Division 3 councillor Paul Golle has faced 13 complaints since July 2024, all dismissed.
“The latest was because I called the mayor by her first name during a budget meeting,” he said.
Division 1 councillor Wendy Boglary warned the system could be used to bully or smear.
“A complaint outcome can depend on who you are in favour with rather than facts,” she said.
Mayor Jos Mitchell has criticised the process as a “kangaroo court,” but Division 7 councillor Rowanne McKenzie, who has received seven complaints, defended it.
“The OIA process provides independence, transparency, and fairness,” she said.
Division 2 councillor Peter Mitchell said he had only two complaints lodged against him, both dismissed.
“Over my 10 years as a councillor, I’ve seen some individuals lack the psychological robustness or emotional maturity to be effective. This can lead to stress, poor health, and poor decision-making,” he said.
“Voluntary psychological assessment before running for office would be wise.”
Division 5 councillor Shane Rendalls revealed he had 14 complaints lodged against him, though most did not warrant investigation.
“Prior to contacting the OIA I was aware of two complaints, both dismissed without action,” Cr Rendalls said.
“On contacting the OIA, I learned there were 14 complaints against me, 12 of which did not warrant a preliminary investigation, so I wasn’t notified.
“The complaints that did not warrant investigation may include misunderstandings of a councillor’s role, or they may be vexatious.
“Overall, of about 1000 complaints statewide, only 33 were referred to councils, with three in Redlands relating to the mayor.”
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said she too was surprised to learn the true number lodged against her, all dismissed without action.
“I was aware of four complaints against me that had been dismissed, but apparently they have dismissed 15,” she said.
“The complaints made against the councillors, other than the mayor, had no merit and were dismissed without being referred.”
Division 9 councillor Jason Colley said the focus on complaints overshadowed the many positives of the Redlands.
“There is a long history of political agitation in the Redlands, with many of the same players having nothing else to contribute other than to sow seeds of discord,” he said.
“No one wins with that though.
“I’m sick of seeing it and the community is sick of it as well.
“It is nothing but a distraction from the important work we have to do, delivering for residents.”
