Margaret Strelow’s move to quit Rockhampton mayoralty sends an odd signal about integrity

The bizarre resignation of Rockhampton’s popular mayor Margaret Strelow sends confusing messages about integrity in public office.

Ms Strelow argues local government authorities had no right to insist she declare hospitality from the Indian company Adani on her official Register of Interests and she stood down this week “on a deliberate position of principle”.2

As one of Queensland’s longest-serving mayors, who polled nearly 70 per cent of the vote in February’s local government elections, her words carry considerable weight.