Ipswich buoyed by State Government commitment to Supreme Court

28 June 2018

Ipswich City Council is grateful to be allowed in the immediate term to get on with the job of managing this city and finding a way forward for the people who call Ipswich home.

That comes following a State Government commitment today not to act on a show cause notice until a Supreme Court judgement is made on July 31.

Before Justice Debra Mullins, lawyers for Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said they would need time to prepare a response to Ipswich City Council’s claim that the current show cause notice was unjust.

The State agreed not to act on this particular notice, including taking it to the governor, until the matter is heard.

“We certainly appreciate this guarantee from the state, which we see as conciliatory in nature,” Acting Mayor Wayne Wendt said.

“We have always sought an audience with the minister to find an agreeable way forward for the people of Ipswich. That desire to find a solution in collaboration with the State hasn’t changed.

“I am of course mindful that there are 10 innocent councillors who have committed to serve their duty until the 2020 elections.

“We are of the firm belief that any form of administration will only be detrimental to the growth of Ipswich, and that people deserve the right to be represented in council.”

Cr Wendt said councillors were prepared to abide by Justice Mullins’ ruling, whatever the result. However, it was important for democracy that this be heard independently in a court of law, he said.

“Today is a small victory for common sense. It is a small victory for the people of Ipswich. And it is a small victory for 10 innocent councillors,” Cr Wendt said.

“This is not a position any of us want to be in. We are in no position to pre-empt the outcome, and regardless of what that is, there will be no time to celebrate. For this council, it is important that we get on with the job – now, and into the future.

“The community has our commitment that we will continue to serve our city while this process unfolds.”

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