After defeating Ipswich Mayoral Candidate Paul Tully last Saturday, new Ipswich Mayor Andreew Antoniolli said one of his first priorities will be opening the books for a council audit.
“The events of the last 12 weeks was a moment for people to actually think about the future.” Said Cr Antoniolli the ABC.
“I set a very clear agenda that I wanted to open the books, and even have them forensically analysed”.
“Even though they are audited by the Queensland auditor, people still have a view there’s something wrong.”
“Let’s do it, let’s open it up, let’s be completely transparent and I believe that by Christmas people will see a level of transparency here on council that will help to re-establish trust and faith”.
Cr Antoniolli said Ipswich was well positioned for a prosperous future with consistently strong population and economic growth bringing with it substantial opportunities.
“The city’s best days are ahead of it and our task now is to grab a hold of the opportunities on offer to get maximum benefit for residents and businesses of Ipswich,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“It’s an honour and I am deeply humbled to have been granted the opportunity by the good people of Ipswich to serve as their mayor,” Cr Antoniolli said.
Cr Antoniolli, a former policeman, was first elected to Ipswich City Council in March 2000 at age 29 as the youngest councillor to be elected in 21 years and the second youngest in the city’s history since 1860.
Cr Antoniolli’s election as mayor means the Electoral Commission of Queensland will hold a by-election in Division 7.