Campbell Newman - Lord Mayor of Brisbane

Lord Mayor of Brisbane

Due to the laws governing the election of Brisbane's Lord Mayor and City Councillors, Newman was elected directly to replace Tim Quinn. However, in the 2004 election a majority of wards returned ALP Councillors, meaning Newman had to work with a Civic Cabinet dominated by his Opposition, and a Labor Deputy Mayor. During the 2005 Brisbane bomb hoax, several bomb threats were called in from payphones in Brisbane, Australia, threatening the public transport system. Lord Mayor Campbell Newman ordered all buses and trains to be shut down at midday, and again at 4:45pm, causing huge problems, with thousands of people waiting. After a thorough bomb search, the public transport restarted operation. In the 2008 election, the ALP lost at least 6 wards to the Liberal Party, giving the Liberals a majority.

Newman was selected as one of 25 mayors from across the world shortlisted for the 2010 World Mayor Prize, an online competition aimed at raising the profile of civic leaders. When the results were announced, Newman was declared the 5th best mayor in the world.

On 3 February 2012, the Brisbane City Council referred to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) allegations concerning impropriety on the part of Mr Newman in property a transaction while Lord Mayor. The commission assessed three separate matters and finalised its judgement favouring Newman a week before the 2012 election.

During both of his election bids, Newman's nickname was "Can Do Campbell."