THE Minister for Local Government Tom Stephen’s plan to create regulations governing appointment of local government CEOs will result in more red tape for councils.
The State public sector senior executive service recruitment practices can hardly be regarded as a model of best practise.
The procedures and requirements at the State level are overly prescriptive and will cost ratepayers dearly.
They do not readily lend themselves to modification and adaptation to the specific needs of a diverse range of local governments.
The move is unnecessary.
Local Government Managers Australia has supported the need to develop appropriate guidelines and industry standard contracts for employing CEOs and other senior local government staff.
Indeed, we have had model contracts in place for many years.
LGMA was surprised and disappointed by the Minister’s announcement that he was to implement recommendations of a Parliamentary Inquiry into the appointment of local government CEOs
In many areas the course of action proposed by the Minister significantly differs from the findings of the committee the Minister established to view the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry.
The review committee consisted of industry representatives.
The LGMA also believes that local governments should not be compelled to seek the advice of the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal.
This would significantly add to the workload of the tribunal and may cause further delays in appointments.
Of course, we are happy for the option to be available for local governments to seek advice from the tribunal or other professional advisers, should they think it necessary to do so.
Cliff Frewing
Local Government Managers Australia, WA Branch