January 25, 2018
Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils (WBBROC) treasurer Cr Chris Loft looks set to be sacked as mayor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council.
The Crime and Corruption Commission laid charges against Cr Loft late last year after a five-month investigation at the Council.
Cr Loft appeared appeared briefly in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court last week charged with misconduct in a public office, disclosing information and computer hacking and misuse.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said on Thursday he had notified Cr Loft that he proposed to exercise his power under the Local Government Act to recommend that he be dismissed as Mayor and Councillor.
“Based on the material I have before me, I am satisfied that a mere suspension of Cr Loft is insufficient in the circumstances,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“I have therefore revoked the previous show cause notice issued by Minister Furner on December 5 and have now issued a notice to Cr Loft seeking his submission on why he should not be dismissed under the Local Government Act.
“Having regard to all the materials before me, I am satisfied that I have the power to make a recommendation to dismiss Cr Loft under the Local Government Act.
“I have given Cr Loft seven days to show cause why he should not be dismissed.
“Once this period has elapsed, I will consider all the relevant materials, including any submission by Cr Loft, to reach a decision on whether to recommend the dismissal of Cr Loft.
“I will not be making any further comment on this matter before I make my decision.”
WBBROC was formed in 1999 to represent the interests of councils within the Wide Bay Burnett region and is made up of representatives from the South Burnett, Cherbourg, North Burnett, Gympie, Bundaberg and Fraser Coast councils.
Gympie mayor Mick Curran is currently Chairman of WBBROC and South Burnett mayor Keith Campbell is Deputy Chairman.
Footnote: southburnett.com.au is not suggesting any of the charges against Cr Loft relate to his activities at WBBROC.
