Anger at GM job on show
Ratepayers call to put role on hold
THE Huon Valley mayor has faced angry community members, as they protested outside the Huon Valley Town Hall over ongoing concerns around the recruitment process for general manager.
The protest was held before the council meeting on Wednesday in response to an identified conflict of interest, where it was revealed the successful candidate Jason Browne was in a relationship with the head of the recruitment agency contracted by the council.
There’s no suggestion Mr Browne was ineligible for the role.
Organiser of the protest Archie Donley said many in the area were frustrated.
“People aren’t happy,” Mr Donley said.
“Everybody feels the selection process for general manager was wrong from the very beginning.”
A review of the process by Edge Legal cleared the council of breaching its code of conduct and local governance
act, but found the management of the conflict was subpar.
Mayor Bec Enders has said councillors would undergo training and Mr Browne would continue in the role. But protesters said it wasn’t good enough.
“We’re calling for the immediate suspension of the general manager until there is a forensic inquiry into the selection process of general manager,” Mr Donley said.
Huon Valley resident Madelaine Borlase said she was disappointed with the council’s performance.
“I’ve lived in the valley for seven years, I’ve lived in Tassie for 21 years,” Ms Borlase said. “I’ve lived in numerous states, numerous council areas and I have never experienced this before anywhere in Australia.
“I think the mayor needs to step down and Mr Browne needs to resign, I’m perfectly happy for him to reapply for the position if the position is readvertised.
Part way through the protest, an unexpected attendee arrived – Mayor Enders.
When the protest wrapped up, Cr Enders addressed her angry constituents.
“I appreciate that whatever I say, for some people, is just not ever going to be enough, I really appreciate that,” Cr Enders said.
“But we did the best we thought we did at the time.
“It’s been proven by the Edge Legal report that we we’re under the standard with recognising the conflict of interest, we accept that and we are going to do a lot better.”
“We apologise to our community and to our staff for the recent negative focus,” Cr Enders said.