Fraser Coast Mayor Sacked

February 16, 2018

Fraser Coast Mayor and WBBROC member Cr Chris Loft has been sacked by Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe for alleged breaches of the Councillor’s Code Of Conduct.

The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils (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. Mayor Chris Loft was Treasurer.

“This week I exercised my power under the Local Government Act to recommend Governor-in-Council dismiss Councillor Chris Loft as Mayor of Fraser Coast Regional Council,” Mr Hinchliffe said on Friday.

“The dismissal of Councillor Loft is effective from 10:00am today. I have not taken this decision lightly.

“The evidence that Councillor Loft is unfit for office is clear and unequivocal.

“To date, there have been 11 findings of either inappropriate conduct of misconduct against Councillor Loft.”

Mr Hinchliffe said these findings included:

Breaches of the Councillor’s Code of Conduct

Repeated inappropriate use of media

Failure to comply with Council’s IT systems policy

Use of position to influence an employee of a council-controlled entity to covertly provide financial information

Improper disclosure of confidential council information to a third party

Failure to comply with Council’s Public Interest Disclosure policy

“Given the flagrant nature of Cr Loft’s breaches, I am satisfied that dismissal is the right course of action,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“I have formed the view that Cr Loft still does not understand his legislative responsibilities and is not truly remorseful for his past behaviour.

“Even genuine remorse could not alter the fact that Cr Loft has made serial breaches of the Local Government principles outlined in the Local Government Act.

“The likelihood that Cr Loft may continue to engage in similar conduct in future is something that I’m not prepared to take a risk on.

“To be clear, my decision to dismiss Cr Loft has nothing to do with any matter currently before the courts, any current investigation or any charges laid by the CCC.

“Under Section 164 of the Local Government Act, a vacancy in the position of Mayor must be filled by a by-election.

“The timing of that by-election will depend upon the provisions of the Local Government Electoral Act and is ultimately a matter for the Acting Queensland Electoral Commissioner.

“To the people of the Fraser Coast, I say thank you for your patience on this matter.

“You will soon have a chance to elect a new Mayor, who can better represent you and your interests, and the interests of the Fraser Coast region.”

Footnote: southburnett.com.au is not suggesting any of the allegations against Cr Loft relate to his activities at WBBROC.