Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell steps down citing 'smear campaign'

ABC NEWS (Australia)

A Queensland mayor has resigned over threats and harassment in the wake of growing concerns over the safety of publicly elected officials.  But in a local council plagued with problems, the mayor said her position became untenable.

Transcript

00:01An early morning letter.

00:03Council were advised this morning at around 5am of my decision to resign.

00:08Initially denied by Redland Council Acting Mayor.

00:11At this stage we've not had any formal confirmation of that.

00:16Only to awkwardly have the CEO confirm a few minutes later.

00:21My apologies.

00:22The ABC has seen an email that Joss actually sent to you, Louise, of her resignation.

00:26It's been time stamped at 5am this morning.

00:29Is that you didn't receive that?

00:30I've just received advice that we've received a resignation right this very moment.

00:35The former mayor alleges in the past two years she was harassed and threatened.

00:40My oldest daughter was followed.

00:43There were other instances of screws in tyres.

00:46And was the subject of a personal smear campaign.

00:49My safety has been of concern to me.

00:51She has been on paid leave since May after undergoing surgery and suffering from an autoimmune disease.

00:58In the past two months the council voted against granting her leave, which was due to run out on Saturday.

01:05And while some ministers wished her well.

01:07I think it's a really sad thing for the city that we have this going on and I just hope

01:13that the road ahead for her is a good one.

01:14Another had a warning.

01:16Anyone considering standing for election as mayor to understand the commitment to the community that such a role entails.

01:23The mayor's resignation will trigger a by-election in the coming months.

01:27But many locals say the saga has damaged their faith in democracy.

01:32Quite a few people I know are now thinking we're not going to bother voting again.

01:35It would be a very hypocritical thing for any of us to vote.

01:39Residents due to head to the polls before January.

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01:45that person would want to judge but as far as they could not be emotionally overcome.

01:46So, now let's come back to the polls.

01:46Well, here we will learn some things.

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