Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate faces conflict of interest questions over Trump Tower Mar-a-Lago trip
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has come under renewed scrutiny after revealing he received hospitality from the Trump Organization during a trip to the US earlier this year; this visit coincided with a $1.5 billion deal for a Trump-branded tower in Surfers Paradise.
A spokesman for the mayor said Thursday that the council will disclose potential conflicts of interest when considering development applications.
“When it comes time for Council to make a decision on any development application, the Mayor will, as he always does, fulfill his obligations regarding real or perceived conflicts, in accordance with the law and public expectations,” the spokesman said.
But a leading corruption and integrity watchdog told the Gold Coast Bulletin Mr Tate had “no choice” but to walk away from any decisions on the controversial project.
Geoffrey Watson SC, director of the Center for Public Integrity, said he believed it was “absolutely necessary” for Mr Tate to exclude himself from any decision-making on the project.
“By that I mean attending any of the meetings where other members of the council will be considering any of its components,” Mr Watson said.
“It’s extremely unusual and strange that he was even at Mar-a-Lago at the time this deal was signed. It’s a conflict of interest because there’s a perception that there’s a problem, and he should have done better by not accepting the invitation and addressing the proposal on its merits rather than his personalities.”
According to Mr. Tate’s latest registration of interest, the Trump Organization covered his meals, accommodations at Mar-a-Lago and round-trip transfers to Miami International Airport during his visit from February 12 to 14. Fare payers financed his flights.
Mr Tate said he attended the estate as “mayor of the city” and described the trip as “a gift to the city, not to me”.
He insisted he was not asked for any assurance that he or the city would approve the building application.
The visit comes just days before Altus CEO David Young signed the Trump Organization deal for a 91-storey tower on Trickett St that will include a six-star resort hotel, 270 luxury apartments, a retail plaza and a beach club.
The project has faced strong opposition in the community, with an online petition already collecting 140,000 signatures at the time of publication.
The Trump Organization aims to start construction in August.
