BIG READ: dismissal of the Council, how we got here

Last year was dramatic for Ipswich City Council and its taxpayers.

From corruption and criminal allegations to a Supreme Court challenge and now the imminent dismissal of all elected officials, the coming months could be just as hectic as the accused will face their day in court.

If all goes as planned by the plan of the Minister of Local Government Stirling Hinchcliffe, at the end of August, the other 10 Ipswich councilors will have fallen.

As the tense situation that seemed to begin with the beloved mayor of the city, Paul Pisasale, announcing his resignation ends, the QT looks at how we got here.

OPERATION BELCARRA

The 2016 election sparked a wave of complaints about the conduct of some candidates in several Southeast councils.

The Ipswich City Council was among them with four councilors called to testify during the public hearings conducted between April and June 2017. The hearings lasted nine days.

Councilors who testified were former Mayor Paul Pisasale, Division 3 advisor Kerry Silver, Division 2 advisor Paul Tully and Division 4 advisor Kylie Stoneman.

The Blair MP – who covers most of Ipswich – Shayne Neumann and Ipswich businessman Bob Sharpless were also called to testify.

The purpose of the Belcarra operation was to determine whether the candidates were committing offenses to the local electoral law that could constitute corrupt behavior and to examine practices giving rise to actual or alleged corruption or that undermined public confidence in the integrity of local government.

The CCC found widespread non-compliance with legislative requirements for local elections and political donations.

A report was produced at the end of the hearings with 31 recommendations aimed at strengthening equity, transparency, integrity and accountability in local governments across Queensland.

The investigation into certain allegations that were raised during the Belcarra operation is being finalized.

>> Tully's actions are clearly inconsistent with the rules: CCC

After Belcarra's hearings, the CCC stated that it had enough evidence to refer Cr Tully to another agency for investigation, but would not pursue a case against veteran advisor Ipswich.

>> I was licensed by the CCC: Neumann

Labor Party Member and Member of Parliament from Ipswich, Shayne Neumann, was one of six Ipswich personalities called to testify at the hearings of Operation Belcarra. some candidates.

$ 50,000 IN CASH

Mid-May 2017

Paul Pisasale was arrested by the Federal Police at Melbourne Airport carrying $ 50,000 in cash.

Various explanations were given as to why Mr. Pisasale wore it.

>> $ 50,000 seized from Pisasale reportedly arrested Brisbane

>> Pisasal Inquiry: What does $ 50,000 actually look like?

RED PAJAMAS DAY

June 6, 2017

million. Pisasale confronted a large media group wearing his red PJ pants and socks, from a small room inside the city's private hospital.

Declining health, linked to his multiple sclerosis, was cited as the reason for his resignation, but less than two weeks later, Mr Pisasale was accused by the watchdog of corruption.

It was later revealed that the Crime and Corruption Commission had raided Mr. Pisasale's home on June 5 – the day before the announcement of his resignation.

>> EMAIL OF THE LEAKS: Pisasale's message to the council staff

>> The Pisasale family breaks the silence on the health of the former mayor

A SHOCK IN THE CITY

June 20, 2017

Less than two weeks after his resignation, the first round of charges was brought against Pisasle, including extortion. Mr. Pisasale denies the allegations.

>> Paul Pisasale locked on charges of extortion

LAWYER OF THE AVOCATE OF PISASALA

July 20, 2017

LAWYER Cameron McKenzie, 35, was charged with extortion after an incident involving Mr. Pisasale.

MORE CHARGES AGAINST PISASALIS

August 3, 2017

TWO charges of attempting to pervert justice were brought against Mr. Pisasale on August 3rd.

In total, he faces 11 counts including charges; extortion, attempted perversion of justice, abuse of power, fraud, official corruption, perjury, possession of restricted drugs and two other charges.

>> Paul Pisasale faces new accusations of watchdog of corruption

MAYORAL PARTIAL ELECTION – ANTONIOLLI ELECTED

ANDREW Antoniolli was elected mayor in the August byelection, called to replace Mr. Pisasale.

Cr Antoniolli emerged clear winner and his main rival Cr Paul Tully admitted defeat before the results were official.

ADVISER SUPERIOR CHARGED [19659002] September 13, 2017

Craig Maudsley, Chief of Parks and Recreation Operations Council, was charged with professional misconduct. He denies the allegations.

>> Corruption Watchdog Confirms Charge Against Council COO

>> CCC Investigates "Dishonest Dealings" in Board Contracts Ipswich

THE NEXT DAY – THE GREATEST SENIOR OFFICER IS CHARGED

September 14, 2017

THEN Board CEO Jim Lindsay was charged with official corruption as part of a development application. Other charges were then brought against him and he faces a charge of official corruption, disobedience to state law, disclosure of a confidential document. He denies the allegations.

>> CCC badesses "dishonest deal" in Ipswich Council contracts

>> Ipswich City CEO officially suspended

>> The CEO of Ipswich is suspended with an additional charge from the CCC [19659005] >> Council message to the workers following the shock of the CCC

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