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General News

3 June, 2021

Farinelli's shock resignation: The Full Story

CASSOWARY Coast Councillor Kylie Farinelli announced on Tuesday her resignation effective immediately.

By Peter McCullagh

Farinelli's shock resignation: The Full Story - feature photo

Ms Farinelli had held the Division 6 seat since the Local Government elections in March 2020 and held the Economic Development and Tourism portfolios for Council.

The public were made aware of her resignation after she posted notification on her Facebook account thanking residents for their support during her service.

“To be elected as a Councillor for local government, in my personal opinion, is one of the greatest honors and I take great pride in the role.

“When I ran for this term, as in my last term, it was because I had the desire to serve my community and make it a better place.

“So, it is with the greatest regret that today I put forward my letter of resignation as  Councillor of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council effective immediately.

“It has become apparent to me that I will not be able to serve my community at a level that is satisfactory to me or in a way my community deserves nor do my morals allow for me to waste one more dollar of ratepayer’s money.

“Thank you to those of you who have supported me from day one and I wish only the best for this beautiful region into the future.” – Kylie Farinelli.

Her resignation was confirmed by Cassowary Coast Council CEO, James Gott.

“Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Councillor Kylie Farinelli has tendered her resignation from the office of Councillor.

“The resignation is effective from 1 June 2021.

“The process of filing a Councillor vacancy is well established in legislation and under the Local Government Act 2009, Council will now approach the Honourable Steven Miles, Minister State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and the Electoral Commission of Queensland.

“Council will update the community as soon as more information becomes available.”

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Councillor Farinelli defeated the previous sitting representative Ben Heath at the 2020 Local Government Elections. Harry Tenni, a Cassowary Coast Council employee also stood for election in Division 6. With the resignation of Cr Farinelli a by-election will need to be called in accordance with Queensland legislation.


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Councillor Farinelli spoke at length with Cairns Local News to further explain the reasonings behind her decision to resign.

“I came with no other agenda but to serve my community.

“I make no apologies for being outspoken and being a very determined leader, as I believe this is what is needed here in the Cassowary Coast.

“It’s unfortunate I felt compelled to resign. I refuse to compromise my integrity.

“When it became apparent, I could not deliver what my community required I was faced with no alternative.

“I will have a great deal to say to both the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA), and the Queensland Integrity Commissioner with regard to my decision.

“The OIA is overwhelmed with the volume of work they have on, and their inaction or delays in dealing with many issues has forced my decision.

“They were bought in to do a job and they are not doing it in an appropriate time frame.

“The OIA ‘s in-action has a lot to do with why I resigned.

Ms Farinelli was also serving as a representative on the Women in Local Government Committee in Far North Queensland  and plans to continue her work in this field.

“Women are struggling across the state in local government. I’m passionate about making a difference and encouraging greater female representation.

“I thank all the residents for their continued support and appreciate the messages of support since I announced my resignation.

“I look forward to spending a little more time with my family and planning the next chapter of my career.”

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