Information regarding alleged illegal activities and a dysfunctional culture has been provided to Mr Pyne concerning the Tablelands Regional Council. He has also received complaints concerning Cairns Regional Council and Mareeba Shire Council.

Calling for a judicial inquiry to get to the “root of the real issues” and identify systemic weaknesses in governance, Mr Pyne states that such an inquiry would lead to recommendations for changes to the Queensland Local Government Act.

One of Mr Pyne’s concerns is that whistleblowers in local government do not have enough protection under the current system.  He states that when a complaint is made to the CCC (Crime and Corruption Commission Queensland), the matter is referred back to the CEO of the council concerned, claiming that this is a failing system because an employee providing information is in fear of being dismissed.

Whilst the “explosive allegations” Mr Pyne refers to relate to three specific councils mentioned on his website, the call for an inquiry would potentially affect all local government in Queensland. Mr Pyne states he has been inundated with material and claims regarding other councils since renewing his call for an inquiry.

Newsport contacted Douglas Shire Council for comment on the matter and whether they anticipate being included in any of these complaints.

“No, on the contrary.  Douglas Shire Council has consistently been praised by the Department of Local Government and other Queensland Government agencies for its efforts on the successful establishment of our new Council.  It’s not a matter of concern for Douglas Shire Council,” said Mayor Julia Leu.