At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 24 February 2026, Council tabled a decision from an independent Arbiter, appointed by the State, following an application under Section 143 of the Local Government Act 2020 for a finding of misconduct against the Mayor, Cr Josh Gilligan.
The Arbiter upheld the application, finding that Cr Gilligan breached the Model Councillor Code of Conduct, and has ordered Cr Gilligan to issue a written apology and serve a one-month suspension, effective 25 February 2026.
Under Section 20(d) of the Act, when a Mayor is suspended from the office of Councillor, the office of Mayor becomes vacant and a new election must be held to elect a Mayor within one month of the vacancy occurring.
The Deputy Mayor, Cr Preet Singh will perform the role of Mayor until a new Mayor is elected.
This decision will not impact Council services and operations which will continue as normal.
The report is available on the Council website.