Both follow recent shuffling of new Labor and Greens councillors into two other wards,under rules allowing replacements by political parties – rather than byelections – within a year of the next election,with more to come.
Matic took to social media on Monday to share the news he would not seek re-election at the March 2024 vote after serving as an inner-west councillor since 2007,saying the time had been an “absolute honour”.
“This is not a decision I have made lightly,” he said. “Personally,it is time for new challenges and the opportunity to contribute in other ways.”
Councillor David McLachlan,who has held the inner-north Hamilton ward for the LNP since 2006 and was appointed the chair of council in 2021,announced last week he would not be recontesting after reflection over Easter.
“Now is the best time for a fresh face representing Hamilton Ward on the Schrinner Team in council that will help to build a better Brisbane over the next decade and beyond,” McLachlan said.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner,whose party controls the most council wards,thanked both for their years of service to the city and its residents.