Councillor breach of conduct

Cr Brian Stockwell.

Noosa councillor Brian Stockwell was found to have engaged in inappropriate conduct by his fellow councillors, following the noting of a confidential report of the Acting CEO during a closed session of the Ordinary Meeting.

Following the closed session, Council recorded that pursuant to the Local Government Act 2009 Council found that on 12 and 13 March, 2023, Cr Stockwell engaged in inappropriate conduct.

It found Cr Stockwell breached the Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland requirement for councillors to treat Council employees with courtesy and fairness by sending emails to persons with allegations that recommendations provided within a Council officer’s report had been in breach, or in potential breach of the Council’s Employee Code of Conduct.

Council formally expressed its disapproval of the inappropriate conduct engaged in by Cr Stockwell and ordered that Cr Stockwell be reprimanded for his inappropriate conduct; and attend training or counselling at the Councillor’s expense within a period of three months from the date of this order to address the Councillor’s conduct.

The decision was carried unanimously by councillors.