The Queensland government has begun appointing an administrator at Ipswich City Council, amid a widening corruption scandal that has embroiled 12 elected officials and bureaucrats.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchlicffe announced the move, less than a day after mayor Andrew Antoniolli was charged with fraud by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Mr Antoniolli has since stood down.
The entire council will be asked to show cause as to why it should not be sacked.
Mr Hinchlicffe says the government will also look to strengthen the laws, allowing it to sack councils outright.
