Relief after ‘trivial’ claim is dismissed
A COMPLAINT by former Tablelands Regional Council chief executive Bob Owen that councillor David Clifton engaged in inappropriate conduct has been thrown out by the Office of Independent Assessor (OIA) following an investigation.
Mr Owen made the complaint last December. He resigned in February this year – eight months into a 14month appointment.
Mr Owen alleged Mr Clifton “responded aggressively” when Mr Owen mentioned there had been negative public feedback about the acting mayor’s use of the phrase “bleeding” when referring to the council’s operations and finances.
Mr Owen alleged Mr Clifton “stated in a loud and aggressive manner, ‘Why should we stop using the phrase?’ then got out of his seat, slapped himself across the face, said, ‘I need to get out of here,’ then walked out of the room”. Mr Owen alleged that Mr Clifton returned and “glared at him”.
Mr Owen said an email sent by Mr Clifton to him – which expressed concerns about a five-year contract relating to a pilot project – inferred Mr Owen had acted improperly.
Mr Clifton welcomed the inquiry outcome. “Charges such as these are one of the reasons that the Office of Independent (Assessment) is currently undergoing an inquiry,” Mr Clifton said.
“Elected councillors ought to be able to get on with their job of representing the community and asking the right questions without being dragged through legal channels by disgruntled officers.
“Several of the charges were really trivial and ought not have been considered by the OIA. I’m very glad the
matter of these three charges has, at last, been resolved with the decision that there was no misconduct to answer and I have really welcomed the support of my council colleagues during the investigation,” Mr Clifton said.
Gary Rinehart was acting chief executive from March this year and was appointed permanently a few months later as the fifth chief executive in five years, with Mayor Rod Marti saying the appointment would contribute to stability.
A recently released independent report on Tablelands Regional Council revealed deep schisms between staff and councillors. The report by independent consultancy Grassroots made 27 recommendations.
A steering committee to implement the recommendations has been formed, with councillors Dave Bilney, Peter Hodge and Mr Clifton on the committee.