Expense Scandal and Military Record Under Fire
Joondalup councillor Nige Jones finds himself at the centre of a growing controversy after admitting to billing ratepayers for an alcoholic drink consumed at an Adelaide strip club, while simultaneously facing serious questions about the accuracy of his military service record. The one-time mayoral candidate, who campaigned under the slogan "The People's Voice for Common Sense", now confronts allegations that he misrepresented his military background to constituents.
Questionable Military Service Claims
During this year's mayoral election campaign, Cr Jones informed Joondalup electors that his integrity had been forged by "11 years military service in British Special Air Service Regiment, Royal Military Police, Australian Pilbara Regiment & RAAF". However, investigation reveals Cr Jones never actually qualified for the prestigious British SAS. The Australian SAS Historical Foundation confirmed from UK authorities that he never obtained his beret and subsequently wrote to the City of Joondalup requesting that Cr Jones cease wearing an SAS tie he had been "erroneously" permitted to purchase from Campbell Barracks.
Further scrutiny of his service record shows that in 2015, Cr Jones was denied an Australian Defence Medal because he "did not complete his initial enlistment period" and had only completed two years of efficient service instead of the required four years. Despite these facts, Cr Jones maintains he stands by his claim of service in the British Special Air Service Regiment because he trained with the regiment in 1981, though he ultimately failed to obtain the qualification.
The Strip Club Incident and Ethical Breach
The controversy over his military record emerged as Cr Jones attempted to explain how he ended up at Adelaide's Crazy Horse Revue while travelling on council business in August 2025. According to his statement, Cr Jones left dinner at the Little Hunter at 7.18pm to return to his accommodation for an early flight back to Perth. After experiencing restless sleep, he decided to seek an alcoholic drink to help him relax and walked to what he claims was the nearest bar.
Cr Jones insists he didn't realise he had entered a strip club until a woman began dancing in a bikini approximately 15 minutes after his arrival. He states he drank his beer "as quickly as he could" and departed the establishment by approximately 11.30pm, then proceeded to another bar called Memphis Slim. The councillor subsequently submitted all his refreshment receipts from the trip for reimbursement, including the one from Crazy Horse Revue, which he describes as a "genuine mistake".
The City of Joondalup has taken formal action against Cr Jones, publishing a censure notice stating that on 13 November 2025, Cr Jones was found to have not met the standards expected as outlined in the Code of Conduct. The council required him to complete an education course on ethical decision making and provide a written reflection on his actions within 30 days.
Official Responses and Consequences
Joondalup Mayor Daniel Kingston expressed being "deeply disappointed" by Cr Jones' behaviour, emphasising that the incident "does not reflect the conduct or professionalism of other elected members". Mayor Kingston stated this situation serves as a clear reminder that ethical decision-making is fundamental to public service and reassured the community that the City would identify and address any instance of poor behaviour.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley weighed in, declaring the strip club incident was "clearly not appropriate" and highlighting that the Cook Labor Government has introduced reforms to strengthen oversight of local government council members. From 1 January 2026, the Local Government Inspector will have powers to investigate similar incidents and potentially apply penalties, including suspension for breaches of the code of conduct.
Minister Beazley reminded all council members that they serve as "custodian and trustee for ratepayers' money" and must spend it ethically and responsibly. Despite submitting the controversial receipt, Cr Jones noted that he wasn't reimbursed by the City of Joondalup for the strip club drink and therefore doesn't have to repay anything.
