PRESS RELEASE: Whitsunday Resident Calls for CCC Investigation After Whitsunday Regional Council Allegedly Mishandled Complaint

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Whitsunday Resident Calls for CCC Investigation After Whitsunday Regional Council Allegedly Mishandled Complaint
Cannonvale, QLD – 25 March 2024 – A resident of Whitsunday (and recent Mayoral Candidate) is calling for the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) to take over an investigation into alleged misconduct by a Whitsunday councillor. Phil Batty filed a complaint with the CCC but claims the council’s subsequent investigation process was marred by irregularities.
According to Mr. Batty, the council failed to provide essential documents to the initial investigator, refused his request for an interview, and conducted a second investigation that ignored the core of his complaint.
More concerning are apparent discrepancies in a report by the council’s chosen investigator, ANSIC. Mr. Batty highlights a section detailing “inadvertent” references to an unrelated matter. However, upon questioning the investigator, Mr. Batty was assured these references were demonstrably false.
“This cannot be an inadvertent reference,” states Mr. Batty, referencing the report’s claim of a meeting between the Mayor and the investigator that simply never happened.
Further concerns arise from the council’s initial doubling down on the veracity of these false statements when raised by Mr. Batty.
Mr. Batty believes these discrepancies suggest a deliberate attempt to downplay the seriousness of the original complaint. He emphasizes that accurate reporting on the councillor’s actions, including potentially false statements, could have resulted in a more significant penalty and public censure.
Adding weight to Mr. Batty’s claims are findings by the Queensland Ombudsman and the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). Both bodies identified “systemic issues” with the council’s handling of the situation and deemed the councillor’s conduct “inappropriate.”
Mr. Batty concludes by urging the CCC to take over the investigation, arguing the council’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the complaints process.
Mr. Batty is calling for a full and transparent investigation into this matter. The public deserves answers regarding the council’s handling of the complaint and the alleged misconduct by the councillor.
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About Phil Batty
Philip Batty lives in Cannonvale with his wife of 45 years. He has two daughters and six grandchildren. Batty has lived in the Whitsundays region since 2002.
Batty’s career has focused on the tourism and hospitality industry and he has been an active participant in matters for the community including orchestrating the largest flash mob in the region, activating the cruise industry for Airlie Beach and negotiating flights into Proserpine airport.
Batty ran for Mayor in the local government elections in March 2024.
More details can be found at Www.lovewhitsundays.com.au
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Media Contact:
Philip Batty
0419 916 736
[email protected]
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