The political landscape in Cairns has been rocked by revelations surrounding Mayor Terry James, whose seemingly minor purchase of a $12 coat rack has spiraled into a full-blown integrity crisis that threatens his leadership.
The Backyard Meeting That Raised Eyebrows
At the heart of the controversy lies a clandestine meeting arranged in the backyard of former Cairns Regional Council CEO Micaela Parker's residence. This gathering occurred shortly after Parker's unexpected resignation from her $400,000-per-year position in March 2024.
The meeting brought together Mayor James and prominent local businessmen, including Scott Radford and Mark Beard, creating what critics describe as an inappropriate setting for discussions that should have occurred through proper official channels.
The $12 Coat Rack That Cost Much More
The scandal intensified when attention turned to a seemingly trivial purchase: a $12 Kmart coat rack that Mayor James acquired using his corporate card in February 2024. While the amount appears insignificant, the timing and circumstances have raised serious questions about judgment and accountability.
This purchase occurred against the backdrop of ongoing investigations into the mayor's conduct, including the controversial backyard meeting that breached standard governance protocols.
Investigation and Consequences
The Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission has taken the extraordinary step of referring the matter to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning. This move indicates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations.
Local Government Minister Steven Miles has confirmed that investigators are examining potential breaches of the Local Government Act, particularly focusing on whether the mayor failed to deal with his CEO in an appropriate and transparent manner.
The investigation represents a significant escalation in what began as minor concerns about governance and has now evolved into a test of the mayor's fitness to lead Australia's primary tourism gateway city.
A Pattern of Questionable Decisions
Beyond the immediate scandals, observers have noted a troubling pattern in Mayor James's approach to governance. His decision-making process has repeatedly drawn criticism, from the handling of senior staff departures to financial management practices.
The cumulative effect of these incidents has eroded public confidence in the council's leadership at a time when Cairns faces significant challenges in tourism recovery and economic development.
As the investigation continues, residents and business leaders alike are left wondering how such a promising political career could become derailed by what began as minor ethical lapses but has grown into a fundamental crisis of integrity.
