The Ipswich City Council is to be sacked over allegations of corruption against some members. The Mayor has stepped aside and the Queensland Government will appoint an administrator.

Anna Eyears reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The announcement comes just hours after Mayor Andrew Antonielli was charged with fraud by Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission.

The charges are the latest development in a widening corruption scandal.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the people of Ipswich have lost confidence in their elected leaders.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Qld Premier: “Enough is enough. This will stop. I am stopping it. Ipswich deserves better!”

Twelve people from Ipswich City Council, including two Mayors and two CEOs, face a total of 66 charges.

The Government believes the situation in Ipswich is a grave concern.

Stirling Hinchliffe, Local Government Minister: “The people of Ipswich are shocked by what has happened, some are angry, many are outraged.”

The Government had been under increasing pressure to act.

It’s been slammed by the Opposition for not acting earlier and by one of its own members.

ALP member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller has long raised concerns about systematic corruption within the Ispwich City Council.

Jo-Ann Miller, Labor MP for Bundamba: “I have been making complaints about the Ipswich City Council both in the Parliament, in the Government and in the CCC for over 14 years now.”

Ipswich City Council will now be asked to show cause as to why it should not be sacked.

Hinchliffe is asking Parliament for stronger powers to dismiss non-performing or fraudulent councils.

Anna Eyears, QUT News.