The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has completed an extensive investigation into 17 allegations of misconduct against Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Michael Brunker.
In all instances, the CMC has found no evidence of official misconduct.
The investigation concerned the alleged conduct of Councillor Brunker, dating back to 2001, and covering allegations of misuse of council resources, release of confidential information for private advantage, and biased exercise of decision making with respect to sale/purchase of land favouring private as opposed to public interest.
The CMC first received the complaints in May 2009. CMC investigators interviewed more than 60 witnesses and reviewed documentary evidence, including documents supplied by various witnesses.
While the CMC has found no evidence of official misconduct, the investigation identified a number of minor issues of non-compliance with council policy concerning corporate credit card use. The Whitsunday Regional Council has subsequently agreed to address these issues in conjunction with the Queensland Audit Office.
The allegations arose largely out of perceptions held by members of the public concerning possible misconduct by elected or appointed officials of local government in using public resources. The investigation did not support such perceptions.
The CMC strongly encourages the Whitsunday Regional Council to continue to promote and develop community understanding of its policies, procedures and processes.
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