An independent arbiter has ordered the suspension of Knox City Councillor Peter Lockwood following a series of conduct breaches involving social media vitriol and disruptive behaviour during council meetings.
The decision by Arbiter Jo-Anne Mazzeo follows a formal internal arbitration process triggered by multiple fellow councillors.
The arbitration centered on two combined applications alleging that Cr Lockwood violated the Model Councillor Code of Conduct. Key findings of misconduct included:
- Social Media Misconduct: Cr Lockwood “liked” and shared defamatory and disrespectful posts on Facebook, including content that targeted colleagues.
- Selective Disclosure: He published a portion of an internal email from the Mayor on his public Facebook page, which the arbiter found intentionally misrepresented the Mayor’s intent.
- Meeting Disruptions: The arbiter reviewed video footage from meetings on July 15 and July 28, 2025, confirming Lockwood’s behaviour was “unwarranted and inappropriate,” including the use of offensive remarks like “grinches” and “lack heart” toward fellow councillors.
- Media Breaches: Cr Lockwood spoke to mainstream media (Channel 10 News) against endorsed Council positions in a manner that breached standards of integrity.
While the applicants sought a three-month suspension, the Arbiter determined a one-month suspension was appropriate. The Arbiter noted that while Lockwood is an “experienced Councillor,” he appeared to “choose to disregard” the Code of Conduct rather than lacking an understanding of it.
The suspension begins after the decision is tabled at the Council Meeting on 10th March.
Read more: Council Meeting Agenda