A Queensland councillor's inappropriate conduct has led to a costly investigation at ratepayers' expense and an order for the elected representative to repay $500 in costs.
The Whitsunday Regional Council last year engaged external investigator PKF Integrity after unrelated complaints about inappropriate conduct were made about two councillors.
Two of the three complaints against Jan Clifford related to comments made between March and April 2022 alleging nepotism in the council with regards to an employee's appointment.
While a third complaint was in relation to Cr Clifford allegedly ignoring the same employee at council morning teas between May and November.
PKF Integrity was also asked to consider an allegation of inappropriate conduct against councillor Mike Brunker.
The external investigation — at a total cost of $20,000 to ratepayers — found that all three claims against Cr Clifford were substantiated.
But it was left up to council to make a final decision.
At Wednesday's council meeting, councillors were instructed to decide whether or not to adopt the findings of the investigation — and hold the councillor accountable.
'Not qualified for this crap'
With Cr Clifford excused from the room, remaining councillors expressed concern about being "judge and jury" for inappropriate conduct allegations against a colleague.
"I can't believe we've spent $20,000 on an investigation and it came back with no decision," councillor John Collins said.
"It shouldn't be up to us councillors … we're not qualified for this sort of crap.
"This is the wrong way of doing it. I just don't think we should be sitting here as judge and jury when we've paid someone $20,000 for an investigation."
Council chief executive Rod Ferguson told the meeting that the process was in accordance with the Local Government Act.
After extensive discussion, the five councillors resolved that Cr Clifford did engage in inappropriate conduct for the first two allegations, but not for the third.
The council voted that she make a public admission of her conduct, reimburse the council $500 towards the investigation costs and undertake training or counselling.
The matter regarding Cr Brunker was not discussed on the day due to his absence from the council meeting.
Didn't pass the 'pub test'
The ABC has contacted Cr Clifford for comment.
Prior to leaving the meeting to allow councillors to make their decision, Cr Clifford said she had received calls from ratepayers who were upset with the appointment of the employee.
"It didn't pass the pub test in broad terms," she said.
"Am I sorry? Maybe, maybe not — because it doesn't pass the pub test."
"It's nothing personal against the employee, things have improved in our relationship and I even gave her a Christmas present I do believe."
