Dear Editor,
The attachment is self-explanatory. It is an official complaint against the Scenic Rim Mayor, Cr John Brent, for a breach of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. After two reminders that I expected acknowledgement I have today received confirmation of receipt and advice that my complaint is being assessed and that I will be advised in due course. I am apprehensive that the assessment process will endeavour to deem my complaint “frivolous” or “vexatious” and I send it on to you so that it cannot be “buried”.
Dear Mr Barke,
Re: Misconduct by Mayor John Brent
I refer to the Beaudesert Times of 7th September 2011, page three, an article headed “Councillor’s actions concern Local government group” wherein Scenic Rim Division 1 Cr Derek Swanborough is identified by LGAQ Acting CEO Greg Hoffman. Scenic Rim Mayor Cr John Brent is quoted in the article as saying further:
“For clarification, all Councillors except for one are working together in unity for the betterment of the region.
“---------- any submission does not reflect on Council as a whole, but would involve one Councillor only who has been found guilty of five cases of inappropriate conduct with a sixth being instituted for further investigation and is facing two further complaints of alleged misconduct.”
Whilst I find it unethical in the extreme that the Mayor failed to add that the determination of Cr Swanborough’s guilt was made by the Mayor himself, and whilst the fact that there is no right of appeal is utterly undemocratic and quite un-Australian, nevertheless the Mayor’s reference to the number of cases of inappropriate conduct clearly identifies Cr Swanborough again.
As you are aware the Scenic Rim code of conduct adopted on 26th October 2010 states, under Key Ethical and Behaviour Obligations that Councillors must, “demonstrate respect for fellow councillors, council staff and other members of the public.” By making such appalling allegations as those quoted above Cr Brent has most definitely not shown respect for Cr Swanborough. Who does the Mayor think he is, making such untrue defamatory statements?
Cr Brent has clearly breached this provision of the Councillor’s code of conduct and I hereby lodge an official complaint.
Yours Faithfully,
Roland Lindenmayer
Eagle Heights.