Carey Wont Accept Watchdog Ruling 12Feb20

Douglas Shire Councillor David Carey wont accept The Independent Council Election Observer's ruling on Mayoral Candidate Michael Kerr concerning an interview he did on FAB FM. The Local Government Association of Queensland set up the integrity watchdog to vet the claims of council election candidates in the coming elections. It's headed up by retired judge John Robertson, formerly of the District Court and Planning and Environment Court, a man of great integrity. On 26 January 2020, the ICEO received a review request from Cr David Carey. His review related to an interview that day on FAB FM in which Cr Carey alleges that Cr Michael Kerr made a false statement to the effect "we are slugging investors more than they pay anywhere else in the country". But in their findings and after Cr Kerr provided a full explanation to the ICEO supported by a range of documentation, the ICEO ruled “in those circumstances the ICEO does not uphold the review request.” They went on to say "Firstly, it is clear from the recording of the interview Cr Kerr qualified his comment" That was done with an "IF" that is heard on the recording, he actually says "If we are slugging investors more than they pay anywhere else in the country" The ICEO went on to say "Secondly, in the context of the interview, his actual comment seems to be an expression of his personal opinion and not a statement of fact. The ICEO also made it very clear that they don't want to interfere in robust debate leading up to the LG election in March, something we fully support here at FAB FM. Cr Michael Kerr did NOT make false or misleading statements according to the watchdog but Cr Carey wont accept the umpires decision. Paul Makin has his say on the matter.