Minister washes hands of decision
LOCAL Government Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe has washed his hands of a potential conflict of interest case involving the recruitment of a senior manager at a Far Northern council.
The Cairns Post reported at the weekend that Cassowary Coast Regional Council executive manager Bill Davis, who was originally hired as a consultant to the council last year, recommended creating his role and then helped write the position description.
Documents provided under Right To Information showed Mr Davis was, not only given a heads-up about the executive manager job by the council’s chief executive James Gott before he was interviewed for the role, but he was also asked by the council’s HR manager Peter Crosby to review the position description of his future job and that of two directors and a manager who now serve under him.
The council’s mayor has refuted any claims there was a clear conflict of interest regarding the recruitment of his executive manager, despite previously stating Mr Davis had little contact with the council during the executive manager recruitment process.
Mr Hinchcliffe’s spokesman said recruitment of council employees was a matter for the council.
“The minister expects all councils to function with transparency, integrity and in an accountable way,” he said.
Former and current council staff, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said despite Mr Davis being qualified for the role, his appointment did not pass the “pub test”.
“Staff were already questioning why the council needed another high-paid executive level position,” one said.
“This was a completely new role, working alongside the CEO. It was considered an unnecessary expense for ratepayers.
“The way the appointment played out made people further question the professional standards and the conduct of those in charge at council.”