The Queensland government will probe the state’s independent local government watchdog after growing concerns about its investigations, one of which was recently criticised as being a “storm in a teacup.” Queensland Deputy Premier and Local Government Minister Steven Miles on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into the Office of the Independent Assessor (OAI). This comes after the OAI was criticised for investigating a Queensland mayor for alleged misconduct after he raised concerns about the COVID-19 rollout plan for his town in a Barcaldine Regional Council meeting in February. Deputy Premier Miles said that he has also recently heard fresh concerns about some of the watchdog’s other investigations. “Queenslanders expect councillors to be strong and fair representatives of their communities,” he told parliament on Tuesday. “The reforms we have implemented in local government are extremely important, but confidence in the system of integrity is also crucial. “In light of recent issues, I’ve asked the parliamentary …