SCENIC Rim Regional Council’s Division Three Councillor, Stephen Moriarty, has publicly condemned what he calls a “pattern of politically motivated complaints,” following the dismissal of a misconduct allegation by the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA).
Cr Moriarty was accused of misusing a council-issued fuel card to refuel his private vehicle over a 10-month period, allegedly racking up more than $6000 in charges.
The complaint was submitted to the OIA by Scenic Rim Regional Council in March 2025.
After a full investigation, the OIA dismissed the allegation, citing inaccurate information provided by the council and an administrative error involving fuel card assignments.
The OIA concluded that Cr Moriarty had not engaged in misconduct and noted that the cards at the centre of the complaint were never assigned to him.
In a public statement, the OIA said it became evident “there had been an administrative error within the local government” and that “a detailed and rigorous review” confirmed the councillor had not breached conduct standards.
Internal processes
Cr Moriarty said the ordeal raises broader questions about internal processes within Scenic Rim Regional Council.
“One has to question how and why the OIA were able to get to the bottom of the issue quite quickly, and yet council weren’t able to?” he said.
“This whole saga smells bad and raises serious questions about council operations and the integrity and capability of those involved.”
Questions
Mayor Tom Sharp echoed concerns, calling the situation appalling and saying it raises more questions than answers.
“I’ve requested a briefing from the CEO for a full rundown, because I need to find out what’s going on,” Cr Sharp said.
“This is either a management competency issue or a targeting of a councillor. Either way, I would expect that there’ll be a letter of apology to the people of the Scenic Rim and Councillor Moriarty, the elected representative.”
He also questioned the costs incurred.
“If fuel cards are being used and council management doesn’t know what’s going on, then what cost is that to the ratepayer?”
Cr Moriarty has been the subject of several OIA complaints since being elected in March 2024.
While the source of the complaints remains anonymous, Cr Moriarty believes the details contained in the complaint, and the timing, point to internal origins.
“Since being elected, I have gone into bat for my constituents on a number of issues,” he said.
“It is unacceptable that council staff who are paid by the ratepayer are spending their time and energy undermining those elected to represent those same ratepayers.”
Despite his frustration, Cr Moriarty was careful not to generalise, instead highlighting the hard work of others within Council.
“There are many really good people in Council working their backsides off for the people of the region, but there are obviously some who have a different agenda,” he said.
“This is either a management competency issue or a targeting of a councillor.” – Mayor Tom Sharp
Reviewing
A Council spokesperson said they were unable to comment on the outcome of the OIA investigation but confirmed that internal reviews are ongoing.
“Council continues to review its policies and procedures, and officers will implement any learnings from this matter,” the spokesperson said.
Public Documents
The Councillor Conduct Register, which lists complaints referred to the OIA that are upheld, is available to the public via the Council website.
In April this year Cr Amanda Hay moved a motion in Council to enable Councillors to request dismissed OIA complaints be put on the Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Councillor Conduct Register.
Prior to the April 30 meeting, Council was only required to list OIA complaints that were upheld on the register.
