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AAP
AAP
National
Robyn Wuth

Drink-driving Qld mayor could be dismissed

Convicted drink driver Karen Williams could be dismissed as mayor under the Local Government Act. (Russell Freeman/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

A Queensland mayor convicted of drink driving who staunchly refuses to resign could be dismissed from office under the Local Government Act.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams remains under investigation by the Office of the Independent Assessor over accusations of official misconduct.

The watchdog has concluded its review and may refer Cr Williams to the Councillor Conduct Tribunal.

If the allegations are substantiated, the independent tribunal then has the power to recommend local government minister Steven Miles dismiss the mayor from office.

On Monday, Cr Williams was sentenced to 80 hours of community service and here licence was suspended for six months after pleading guilty to drink driving in the Cleveland Magistrates Court.

The road safety campaigner had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.177 when she lost control of her official council vehicle and drove into a tree on June 23.

Williams apologised but has ignored persistent calls for her resignation.

"This was a single lapse of judgment in 18 years of public service to my community," Cr Williams said.

Williams has been on unpaid leave but vowed to return to work after the criminal case was finalised.

However, the independent assessor launched its own investigation over allegations of misconduct against the disgraced mayor.

"The matter is currently with OIA legal undergoing a natural justice process before possible referral to the Councillor Conduct Tribunal to decide," a spokeswoman told AAP.

Under the Local Government Act, Cr Williams faces further disciplinary action from the tribunal including recommendations she is removed from office.

Other sanctions under the act include fines, being stripped of coveted committee positions or suspension from meetings.

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