BREAKING MORETON BAY NEWS: Councillor Tony Latter Found GUILTY of Misconduct by Councillor Conduct Tribunal

MORE TO COME

The Councillor Conduct Tribunal has sustained an allegation of misconduct against City of Moreton Bay Council’s Councillor Anthony (Tony) Latter, following an investigation into his involvement in discussions regarding the council’s rebranding to Moreton Bay City while holding a conflict of interest.

• Cr Tony Latter Referred to Crime and Corruption Commission
• Cohesion Keeps it Secret
• Transparency in Journalism: Cr Tony Latter Referral Sparks Debate
• Join the Adventure North Star

The Tribunal’s findings, released on August 26, 2024, reveal that Councillor Latter participated in a general council meeting on December 8, 2021, where he supported a motion to change the council’s official name from “Moreton Bay Regional Council” to “Moreton Bay City.” The motion was aimed at positioning the region as a significant player on the global stage, particularly in light of the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

However, the Tribunal found that Councillor Latter failed to declare a conflict of interest during the meeting. It was revealed that Latter had previously registered two internet domain names relevant to the proposed rebranding through his family company. Despite this, he proceeded to engage in discussions and influence the council’s decision on the matter, a clear violation of section 150EZ of the Local Government Act 2009.

In its decision, the Tribunal ruled that Latter’s conduct constituted a breach of the Act, as he had a declarable conflict of interest which he did not disclose. As a result, the Tribunal ordered Councillor Latter to make a public apology at an upcoming general meeting of the City of Moreton Bay Council. The apology, which must be delivered within 60 days of the decision, is to acknowledge his misconduct and the failure to disclose his conflict of interest.

This decision highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in local government, particularly when elected officials are involved in decisions that could potentially benefit their own interests. Councillor Latter’s case serves as a reminder of the strict standards to which public officials are held and the consequences of failing to adhere to those standards.

The Tribunal’s decision has now placed Councillor Latter under significant public scrutiny, with the upcoming public apology likely to draw considerable attention from both the media and the community.