Queensland residents and from the Division of Hinchinbrook, Mundingburra, Townsville and Thuringowa draws to the attention of the House serious concerns regarding the governance and operations of the Townsville City Council (TCC). Petitioners express a loss of confidence in the Council’s ability to uphold the principles set out in the Local Government Act 2009, including lawful, ethical, and transparent decision-making; prudent management of public resources; and meaningful community engagement.

Petitioners allege that TCC Councillors and senior staff have failed to:

• Act with integrity, fairness, and accountability.

• Ensure transparent and effective processes in the public interest.

• Deliver sustainable development and effective services.

• Demonstrate good governance and ethical behaviour in accordance with Section 4(2)(a, b, c, d, e) of the Act.

There is concern that public resources have not been managed responsibly, and that the community’s trust in local representation has been significantly undermined.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to call upon the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ann Leahy MP to:

• Exercise her powers under Sections 123 and 124 of the Local Government Act 2009 to dissolve the Townsville City Council.

• Appoint an interim independent administrator.

• Commission an independent forensic audit of Council contracts and fiscal management since 2015.

• Suspend the executive leadership team during this period.

• Establish a transparent recruitment process for new executives, informed by the outcomes of a cultural review and whistleblower reports; and

• Schedule new council elections following the audit or within 12 months.