Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is facing renewed questions about his overseas trip to US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort after a key accommodation invoice could not be located in council records.

The issue became public on 2 November 2026, following an investigation by the ABC into the mayor's February visit to Florida. The trip attracted attention earlier this year because it coincided with discussions about a proposed Trump-branded luxury tower on the Gold Coast.

According to information released through a freedom of information request, the mayor's office told council officers that Mr Tate had brought a paper copy of the invoice into the office but later took it away. Staff reportedly did not make a photocopy, scan or electronic record of the document.

A council officer said the organisation had no practical ability to obtain the privately held invoice. The council therefore could not provide the requested document through the information-access process.

The invoice is significant because it relates to questions about who paid for the mayor's accommodation and whether the hospitality created a potential conflict of interest.

Mr Tate initially declared that the Trump Organization had provided accommodation and meals during his visit. He later changed his declaration, stating that he had personally paid for the accommodation and transfers after receiving an invoice.

The mayor has maintained that he always intended to pay for the stay himself. He previously explained that the invoice was not available when he checked out and that he followed it up afterwards.

However, questions about the trip extended beyond the missing invoice. Mr Tate had publicly described having dinner with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, but the White House told the ABC that the president and first lady had not dined with that group. The Trump Organization also disputed the mayor's account.

The mayor's February visit was connected with a proposed development involving the Trump Organization and Queensland developer Altus Property Group. The project was valued at approximately $1.5 billion and was planned for Surfers Paradise. It attracted substantial public opposition before eventually collapsing.

The trip also involved significant travel expenses. Council records previously revealed that ratepayers paid almost $33,000 for the mayor's flights, while he personally paid for an upgrade to first class.

Transparency International Australia chief executive Clancy Moore raised concerns about the lack of documentation, saying proper record-keeping was important for public accountability.

Mr Tate's office said it had fulfilled the council's information requirements and continued to describe the invoice as a private document.

The controversy has renewed debate about transparency, public spending and the responsibilities of elected officials when undertaking overseas travel connected with potential business opportunities.