Council Proposes Tougher Leave Rules | Australia News

Redland City Council is sparking controversy by recommending automatic misconduct investigations for councillors taking extended leave — a move that hits close to home, since their own mayor, Jos Mitchell, has been on medical leave since May and won’t return until October. With the council leading the state in conduct complaints, they’re pushing for sweeping reforms: a better-funded external watchdog, steeper penalties like pay cuts, stronger protections for whistleblowers, and cost recovery for unfounded complaints. As the state government probes the entire system ahead of public hearings this month, the debate is heating up online — with former politicians and fellow councillors weighing in — all while Mayor Mitchell insists her absence is due to serious health issues requiring surgery and recovery. The final report is due in November — and this one could reshape how local councils handle misconduct. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f2457881dddaaf1c