In a heated session, Ipswich City Councillors have voted to hold a by-election to fill the vacant Division 4 seat, following the resignation of Councillor David Cullen due to ill health. The decision came after a spirited debate among the councillors, highlighting deep divisions within the council.
Councillors Jonic, Tully, Antoniolli, Madsen, and Madden supported the motion for a by-election, emphasizing the need for a democratic process to determine Cullen’s successor. On the other side, Mayor Teresa Harding, along with Councillors Augustine and Doyle, voted against the motion, advocating instead for offering the position to the runner-up in the previous election, Russell Milligan.
The debate reached a crescendo when Councillor Augustine passionately defended the right of all councillors to thoroughly consider the available options, a stance that was met with applause from the public gallery.
With the decision made, the Ipswich City Council is now required to inform the Electoral Commission of their intention to proceed with a by-election, setting the stage for a new contest in Division 4.
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