‘Inexcusable mistake’ forces redo of first Brisbane council meeting

In a statement on Friday, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane councillors “have every right to be frustrated” with the administrative error.

“This is an inexcusable mistake and I have expressed my profound disappointment to the CEO,” said Schrinner, who was sworn in separately and was not required to repeat the process.

Meanwhile, Labor’s Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy sought to pin the “significant mistake” on the Schrinner administration.

“The day that councillors are sworn in is where our work can really begin, so it’s frustrating it wasn’t actually official,” Cassidy said.

Jensen, who has served in the role for 13 years – the second-longest stint in council history – told staff before the bungle he had decided it was “time to say goodbye” as focus turned to the next four years.

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There was no suggestion of a link between the events.

“My enduring reflection is the quality and competence of our people. Brisbane City Council is widely known for its usually exemplary service and I am confident that we will continue to improve,” Jensen said in the Wednesday email.

Schrinner said managing the country’s largest council was a demanding job and he respected Jensen’s decision after more than a decade supporting the city, “which no doubt also came at the expense of time with loved ones”.

“Colin has helped guide Brisbane City Council during an incredibly exciting chapter in our city’s history.”

Jensen’s last day in the role, which pays upwards of $700,000 a year, will be April 26, with senior manager Tim Wright to act in the top job while a recruitment process is done.