A former Ipswich mayor accused of dishonestly used ratepayer funds to buy items from charity auctions has been testifying in court.

May 14, 2019

A former Ipswich mayor accused of using ratepayer funds to dishonestly buy goods at charity events knew council policy didn’t cover his actions but he did it anyway, a Queensland court has heard.

Andrew Francis Antoniolli, 48, is charged with 12 counts of fraud and one count of attempted fraud for allegedly using Ipswich City Council money to buy items and services for his own use.

He denies all the charges.

In Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Antoniolli agreed the council’s policy and procedures didn’t state it was acceptable to use the community donations fund to buy items at charity auctions.

Antoniolli said despite his actions not being officially condoned he did it anyway because senior staff said it was OK and many other people at the council also used the fund to buy items at auctions – often at the same events.

“I was given advice by the (chief executive officer) and I was operating under that advice,” he said.

“It was, as I said, common knowledge many councillors were doing it.”

Antoniolli was charged following a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, which led to the sacking of the entire council in 2018.

It’s alleged Antoniolli used the council funds to purchase items at charity auctions and community events between 2005 and 2017, while he was a councillor and mayor.

The items include a $5000 Trek bicycle, various artworks, a gym membership and two ladies pamper packs.

Earlier, defence lawyer Peter Callaghan SC said some of the items were not collected and others were left at the council chambers or re-gifted to other community groups.

Although the bike was found at Antoniolli’s house, it had never been ridden, he said.

Mr Callaghan said in each case the council’s money went to community groups.

The trial continues.