Gold Coast councillor, Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden, who was charged a fortnight ago with the murder of his stepfather, has been given until Friday to explain why he shouldn’t be suspended with pay from his City of Gold Coast Council job.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden, 30, was released on bail last Thursday, a week after being arrested and charged with the murder of 58-year-old Robert Lumsden inside the family’s Arundel home on 23 August.
Local Government Minister, Steven Miles said yesterday that he believed it was a reasonable action to suspend the councillor.
“That’s a natural justice process to allow them to dispute that decision, but I believe it’s a reasonable outcome to suspend them until after effectively the next quadrennial council elections when a councillor will be elected,” Mr Miles.
The Acting Premier said he was writing to the councillor to instruct him to show cause why he should stay in his job as he awaits trial.
The 30-year-old councillor was bailed with a $250,000 surety, with Justice Lincoln Crowley stating he was satisfied that continued detention was not justified.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden’s reportedly indicated his wish to attend this morning’s Gold Coast Council meeting. He is the deputy chair of Council’s Lifestyle and Community Committee, which will meet today at 9am. He is not expected to attend the meeting.
In a statement, Mayor Tom Tate said he was yet to speak to Cr Bayldon-Lumsden following his arrest.
“I’m sure Cr Bayldon-Lumsden has a lot more to consider between now and Friday, so I will leave him to consider what he needs to do until then,” Mayor Tate’s statement read.
Addressing the media prior to Acting Premier Miles’ statement yesterday, Mayor Tate said he would prefer that the Council select any replacement for Cr Bayldon-Lumsden if required.
“It has to be a Gold Coaster, we wouldn’t want any political leaning to the Labor Party because we’re an independent council,” the Mayor told media.
“Can we service the constituents while Ryan’s there? If the answer’s yes, then let him go,” he said.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden’s lawyers say he intends to plead not guilty to the murder charge.
