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Executive officer to Ipswich mayors faces misconduct charges

Former mayor Andrew Antoniolli is facing seven fraud charges.

Former mayor Andrew Antoniolli is facing seven fraud charges. Photo: AAP

An executive officer to former Ipswich mayors Andrew Antoniolli and Paul Pisasale has been charged with misconduct.

Ben Hayward, 37, was charged with one count of misconduct in public office by Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission on Tuesday.

He was the third person charged in a week.

Acting mayor Wayne Wendt said the administration officer would remain employed while the matter went to court.

“Until such time as there’s a definitive outcome, we will respect our employee’s presumption of innocence,” Cr Wendt said.

Both Mr Antoniolli and Mr Pisasale face corruption allegations.

Mr Antoniolli stood down last week after being slapped with seven fraud charges.

He has vowed to fight the charges.

Mr Pisasale resigned last June citing illness, but was arrested two weeks later on extortion and assault charges. He was later charged with corruption and misconduct allegations.

The CCC said in a statement the official corruption charge related to corrupt payments allegedly made to Paul Pisasale by a property developer.

Paul Pisasale resigned last June and is facing corruption charges. Photo: AAP

The latest allegations bring the total number of people charged to 13.

A total of 67 charges have been laid, but no one has yet been convicted.

Former chief executive Carl Wulff was also charged before his successor Jim Lindsay stood down in January after being charged in September, while former Works, Parks and Recreation chief Craig Maudsley has also been charged.

The issue prompted criticism against the state Labor government for not acting sooner, with Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe responding by asking the council to show cause why it should not be dismissed.

The 11-person council has vowed to fight to stay in power.

Mr Hayward will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 24.

The New Daily contacted Ipswich City Council for comment.

-with AAP

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