Embattled former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale has spoken at length publicly for the first time since he was charged with extortion, claiming working too hard was his only mistake.

Speaking to the Queensland Times, Mr Pisasale refused to discuss the extortion and other criminal charges he faced or an ongoing Crime and Corruption Commission investigation.

"The only thing I say is that I love the people of Ipswich. The only mistake I made is that I pushed myself too hard," he said.

"Let it be a lesson that when you have MS and are working virtually seven days a week for an incredible amount of years, you are not bullet-proof.