Kiama councillor, and former Labor member for Kiama, Matt Brown has been granted a leave of absence in the wake of pleading guilty to drug charges on Tuesday.
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Brown, 46, was found in possession of ice at a Queensland casino.
He was arrested at Townsville's Ville Casino on Monday night. He was charged with possessing a dangerous drug and being in possession of a utensil.
Brown appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
He pleaded guilty and was fined $500. No conviction was recorded.
Kiama Municipal Council granted the councillor a leave of absence whilst he deals with “some significant personal issues”.
Kiama mayor Mark Honey said he talked to his colleague on Wednesday.
“My first concern is for Matt’s welfare,” Cr Honey said.
“Naturally I’m disappointed in Matt’s behaviour, which reflects poorly on our council and our community.
“It’s important for him to take this time off from his duties, to ensure his health and wellbeing.
“The council will be offering Matt the support services we provide our employees, for their mental and physical health.
“His behaviour is not consistent with the council’s values that councillors and council staff work to uphold.”
Brown has also been contacted for comment.
Brown has a had a colourful political life. His ministerial career came to an abrupt end in September 2008, just three days after Nathan Rees took over from Morris Iemma as premier.
He was promoted from tourism minister to police minister in Mr Rees’ new cabinet but was forced to resign almost immediately after details emerged of a wild budget night party three months earlier.
Brown was alleged to have danced in his underwear and simulated a sex act with the former Wollongong MP Noreen Hay at a party in his Parliament House office.
Brown later admitted to having his shirt off but denied being drunk or simulating the act with Ms Hay.
At the time, Mr Rees said his reaction to the behaviour was "beyond anger, gross disappointment".
Brown remained in Parliament on the backbench until he lost his seat in 2011, but he made a return to politics in 2016 when he was elected on the Labor ticket to Kiama Council.
He is also the president of the Kiama branch of the Labor Party and a member of the Destination Kiama Tourism Advisory Committee.
- with Alexandra Smith
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
