02/04/2025
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Former Ipswich Mayor Faces Council Conduct Hearing Over Critical Comments
FORMER Ipswich mayor and current councillor Andrew Antoniolli is facing scrutiny over alleged conduct breaches, with Ipswich City Council set to decide this week whether he engaged in misconduct—an investigation that has already cost ratepayers nearly $20,000.
The Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) launched an inquiry after receiving a complaint about Councillor Antoniolli’s comments in a newspaper article and an email exchange with the council’s CEO.
The investigation, which began on 3 October 2024, examined whether his remarks were inappropriate or breached council conduct rules.
The first allegation relates to a 2 October article titled “Food vans bite into CBD café takings”, in which Councillor Antoniolli criticised the council’s handling of mobile food vendors in the Nicholas Street Precinct.
His comments—stating that “Council continues to overpromise and under-deliver” and that food vans were unfairly competing with brick-and-mortar businesses—were seen as critical of the Nicholas Street Precinct Team and City Events Team within the Marketing and Promotions Branch.
Some council staff reported feeling “distressed” by his remarks.
The second allegation involves an email exchange between Councillor Antoniolli and Ipswich City Council CEO Sonia Cooper.
After being informed that his comments had “upset staff” and that the matter would be referred to the OIA, he allegedly responded in a manner deemed disrespectful to the CEO and council administration.
The investigation included two interviews with Councillor Antoniolli, on 22 January and 5 February 2025.
He was given the opportunity to respond in writing by 24 February but did not submit a response.
The final Investigation Report was then provided to the council.
At Thursday’s meeting, councillors will determine whether Councillor Antoniolli has breached conduct rules and, if so, what disciplinary action should be taken.
Potential penalties include a public apology, a formal reprimand, mandatory training, exclusion from certain meetings, removal from representative roles, or a requirement to reimburse investigation costs.
The inquiry has cost ratepayers $18,975, covering legal fees, officer time, and report preparation.
Councillor Antoniolli, who previously served as Ipswich mayor before resigning in 2018 amid corruption charges—later overturned—has not publicly commented on the investigation’s findings.
