Qld councillors in court on fraud charges

A sacked Queensland mayor and two ex-councillors have appeared in court on criminal charges for allegedly pushing their chief executive out of her job.

Former Logan mayor Luke Smith and dismissed councillors Jennie Breene and Laurie Smith appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Five co-accused - sacked Logan councillors Russell Lutton, Phil Pidgeon, Stephen Swenson, Cherie Dalley and Trevina Schwartz - had their appearances excused.

The eight are charged with fraud by dishonesty after the Crime and Corruption Commission alleged they acted in concert to push the council's chief executive Sharon Kelsey out of her job.

The value of the fraud is at least $100,000 and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Luke Smith faces a further two charges of misconduct in public office over allegations he started a dishonest probation process for Ms Kelsey and interfered in the recruitment process of another person.

The Queensland government sacked the council this month following the charges.

Outside court, Luke Smith and Breene refused to speak to the allegations.

"I'd rather not comment on that. There's a process we need to go through, so we now go through that process," Laurie Smith told reporters.

Their matter was set aside to May 27 after a brief mention.