UPDATE: Shoalhaven Council is facing an urgent, formal investigation by the Office of Local Government (OLG) over its controversial appointment of Andrew Constance, former NSW Treasurer and Transport Minister, as general manager. This development comes after Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig requested the OLG to conduct preliminary inquiries in October 2022, raising significant concerns about the integrity of the council’s recruitment processes.
The OLG’s latest announcement, made February 13, 2023, indicates a more in-depth examination of whether the recruitment process was conducted fairly and transparently. This scrutiny is critical for the council, as it may affect its governance and public trust.
In a letter to Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White and Deputy Mayor Peter Wilkinson, Minister Hoenig outlined the need for a performance improvement order due to various issues raised during the preliminary investigation. These issues include allegations regarding the management of recruitment records, potential conflicts of interest, and failures in handling code of conduct matters.
At an extraordinary council meeting on February 13, the council voted to accept the proposed actions for the performance improvement order and pledged full cooperation with the OLG. In a significant step, the council agreed to engage an independent professional to review relevant materials related to the recruitment concerns.
Mr. Constance has characterized the OLG’s investigation as a “very serious inquiry,” emphasizing the need to address the allegations thoroughly. The council’s discussions have highlighted the gravity of the situation, with Cr. Wilkinson noting that the ongoing OLG investigation could overshadow their current deliberations.
The OLG’s formal probe will assess several key factors, including:
– The transparency and fairness of the recruitment process.
– The role of Stephen Blackadder Consultancy in the hiring decision.
– Whether conflicts of interest were disclosed and managed appropriately.
– Potential governance failures related to the council’s code of conduct during the recruitment process.
– The adequacy of the council’s recruitment policies and training programs.
This investigation marks a critical juncture for the Shoalhaven Council. The findings could lead to significant changes in its operational practices, impacting local governance and community trust. Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed as developments unfold.
Authorities confirm that the outcome of this inquiry will have lasting implications for the Shoalhaven Council’s future, making it essential for all involved to approach the situation with transparency and accountability.
