The commissioners running the City of Perth have appointed an acting chief executive, with local government consultant Murray Jorgensen set to take the reins.
The commissioners running the City of Perth have appointed an acting chief executive, with local government consultant Murray Jorgensen set to take the reins.
A special council meeting was scheduled for this afternoon to appoint Mr Jorgensen to the role.
The announcement comes two weeks after former chief executive Martin Mileham was sacked by the commissioners.
If the item is passed, Mr Jorgensen will be given a nine-month contract, with an option for an extension if necessary.
Mr Jorgensen has been a director and consultant of Murray Jorgensen & Associates since 1998.
In that role he has provided management consulting services to the Western Australian Local Government Association, private companies and a number of councils.
Previously he served as the chief executive of the Shire of Manjimup for five years and the City of Albany for 10 years.
In their report, the commissioners said the most desirable appointment would be an external person.
“Having carefully considered a range of candidates, the commissioners carried out an interview process with the successful potential candidate who had both extensive local government and private sector experience,” the report said.
“The commissioners were not only examining the candidate’s experience, but also the candidate’s knowledge of the cultural issues facing the city, the ability to lead the staff effectively, and have a commitment to work effectively with all the commissioners in a ‘Team Perth’ approach.
“The interviewed candidate was aware of the need to consult directly and effectively with the city’s primary stakeholders – the state government, business groups and the community, especially the city’s residential community.
“The candidate also demonstrated outstanding emotional intelligence, which was a key criteria of the commissioners and who could provide a steadying influence for staff being subjected to the ongoing inquiry.”
The commissioners said apart from the being the chief executive of two local governments, Mr Jorgensen had outstanding experience in corporate governance and executive relationships, among other things.