A resident of Whitsunday (and recent mayoral candidate) is calling for the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) to take over an investigation into alleged misconduct by a Whitsunday councillor. Phil Batty lodged a complaint with the CCC, alleging irregularities marred the council’s subsequent investigation process.

According to Batty, the council failed to provide essential documents to the initial investigator, refused his request for an interview, and conducted a second investigation that ignored the core of his complaint.

More concerning are apparent discrepancies in a report by the council’s chosen investigator, ANSIC. Batty highlights a section detailing “inadvertent” references to an unrelated matter. However, the investigator assured Batty that these references were demonstrably false upon questioning.

“This cannot be an inadvertent reference,” states Batty, referencing the report’s claim of a meeting between the mayor and the investigator that simply never happened.

Further concerns arise from the council’s initial doubling down on the veracity of these false statements when raised by Batty.

Batty believes these discrepancies suggest a deliberate attempt to downplay the seriousness of the original complaint. He emphasises that accurate reporting on the councillor’s actions, including potentially false statements, could have resulted in a more significant penalty and public censure.

Adding weight to Batty’s claims are findings by the Queensland Ombudsman and the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). Both bodies identified “systemic issues” with the council’s handling of the situation and deemed the councillor’s conduct “inappropriate.”

Batty concludes by urging the CCC to take over the investigation, arguing the council’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the complaints process.

Batty is calling for a full and transparent investigation into this matter. The public deserves answers regarding the council’s handling of the complaint and the alleged misconduct by the councillor.

Justin Lance Marcel Lavadia

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Justin Lavadia is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum with a diverse writing background spanning various niches and formats. With a wealth of experience, he brings clarity and concise communication to digital content. His expertise lies in crafting engaging content and delivering impactful narratives that resonate with readers.

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