Ex-mayor criticises Huon GM decision

THE Huon Valley Council’s decision to appoint a new general manager despite an identified potential conflict of interest has been met with criticism from a former mayor.

The council revealed on Wednesday it would stand by its decision to appoint former TasWater employee Jason Browne, despite revelations he was in a relationship with Joanne Inches, the head of the recruitment agency appointed to narrow down the search.

There is no suggestion that Mr Browne was not qualified for the role or that he was not a deserving appointee.

A review into the recruitment process found the council did not breach the Local Government Act, the Code of Conduct or the Huon Valley Governance Framework.

But former Huon Valley mayor Peter Coad said it was disappointing the decision was upheld.

“This appointment confirms community concerns have been ignored by the council,” Mr Coad said.

He questioned the independence of the review, but the council has rejected this.

“There is no record of council using Edge Legal prior to the acting general manager engaging them to prepare the general manager’s employment contract and to undertake the independent review,” a council spokesman said.

But the review did find the council’s conduct in managing the conflict of interest fell “below expected standards”.

In response, the council has committed to undertake training in relation to the future management of conflicts.

Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said the council intended to release further details, including a copy of the key findings, in the coming days.

The council said the cost of undertaking the review was expected to be $15,000.