Rockhampton’s Mayor-elect Chris Hooper accuses State Government of stalling on his appointment

Almost a week after accepting the position of Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor from the Electoral Commission of Queensland, Chris Hooper still hasn’t been appointed to the role — and he’s accused the State Government and local council of stalling the process.

Earlier this month, Rockhampton Mayor resigned after being found guilty of misconduct, causing the Queensland Local Government Minister to announce an impending amendment to the Local Government Act.

The laws currently state that a sitting mayor or councillor would be replaced by the next highest polling candidate if they were to die or resign in the first 12 months of their term.

That meant that eccentric barefoot bike rider Chris Hooper was automatically appointed,…