Staff change adds flexible employment

Special advisers can be appointed

MAYOR Tom Tate and councillors will be allowed to have several “political” appointments in their offices.

But the policy change is not likely to be embraced by all councillors at City Hall.

Councillors at a full council meeting on Tuesday unanimously voted on a recommendation to allow the appointment of “councillor advisers” after changes to legislation.

The recommendations in a report supported the appointment of four council advisers for the Mayor and one each for each councillor. Recruitment could begin immediately.

Councillors had debated a “staffing matter” in closed session during the meeting. The changes mean the Mayor can employ a senior media officer of his choice.

The item, which was considered just after 6pm, following the meeting started at 10am, was supported without any debate.

Cr Tate after being asked a question by Councillor Cameron Caldwell confirmed it was an “opt in” policy and not compulsory for councillors.

Earlier on his Facebook page, Helensvale-based councillor William Owen-Jones was asked by residents whether the policy change would lead to the hiring of more staffers. He told residents the changes, if adopted, could see existing staff hired on time frames which aligned with electoral cycles.

“There will be no new funding of full time employment positions, it would require existing staff to sign on to the revised policy,” he wrote. “I have two staff members in my office. I would not change the existing arrangements, because it works for me and is not an issue, but can accept that is not the view shared by all.”

THERE WILL BE NO NEW FUNDING OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS, IT WOULD REQUIRE EXISTING STAFF TO SIGN ON TO THE REVISED POLICY WILLIAM OWEN-JONES