Brisbane Civic Cabinet Finance and City Governance Chair Fiona Cunningham has been selected by Team Schrinner councillors to become Brisbane’s new Deputy Mayor.
Fiona has represented Coorparoo Ward since 2019 and joined Civic Cabinet in 2020.
She worked closely with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner following the coronavirus pandemic, 2022 Flood and global inflation crisis to ensure Brisbane maintained a balanced budget to keep costs down for residents.
Fiona also played a key role during the 2024 Brisbane City Council election, calling out the risk of a Green/Labor Coalition of Chaos and their big spending promises which would have driven up rates and rents for every Brisbane resident.
With Cr Krista Adams stepping down from her leadership roles, Civic Cabinet will return to the traditional number of eight chair roles following Tuesday’s Council meeting, delivering a small cost saving to Council.
Cr Adams’ current Economic Development, Nighttime Economy and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Committee portfolio responsibilities will be redistributed.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who is also a Vice President of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, will oversee the city’s preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure Brisbane secures a lasting legacy before, during and after the Games.
City Planning Chair Adam Allan will take on the responsibilities of economic development and nighttime economy.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Fiona is a strong advocate for her community as well as a key part of our leadership team and I know she’s going to be a fantastic deputy mayor.
“Krista’s decision to step down early is testament to her character as a team player and I want to thank her for everything she has done to serve Brisbane as Deputy Mayor.
“Our team is brimming with talent and we have a proven track record of running Australia’s largest local government.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter of renewal in our team as we maintain our focus on keeping costs down for residents and keeping Brisbane moving now and in the future.”
Quotes attributable to Cr Fiona Cunningham:
“I’ve always stood up for what I believed in and I’m so proud to be able to do that alongside Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and my incredible Schrinner Council colleagues.
“While we live in such an incredible city, I will continue to warn of the real risks Brisbane residents would face if a Green/Labor Coalition of Chaos was ever elected.
“Being Deputy Mayor will be a huge honour and big responsibility, and I am as dedicated as ever to ensure we keep Brisbane moving.”
ENDS