General News
1 September, 2026
Recruitment rule ‘fraught’
A STATE Government change to legislation governing council recruitment was “messed up” and would create a “dogs’ breakfast” according to a number of Cairns Regional councillors.
Speaking to a motion to adopt a new policy for senior executive employee recruitment and appointment – some councillors agreed their hands were forced, as the policy had to meet recent amendments in Section 196 of the Local Government Act.
Councils must now ensure senior executive employees are recruited by an appointment panel, which comprises the Mayor, the chief executive officer (CEO), and other appointed delegates.
Cr Brett Moller said he would support the motion, because “it’s legislation”.
“But for me … this flies in the face of an important governance principle … (of) not getting involved in operations,” he said.
“The CEO is responsible for operations and ensuring the service delivery of council for the benefit of community. He sits at the top of that organisational structure in terms of operations.
“So it’s the CEO that traditionally is held to account, and he gets to choose his team.
“I really don’t understand the state government legislating against this governance principle, other than we have some influential mayors or councillors that have strong-armed state into bringing in the legislation.
“And look, it’s fraught. You know, if there’s relationship issues between panel members, whether that be the elected arm and the CEO, or if there’s personal issues with senior executive staff.”
Cr Rob Pyne agreed with Cr Moller, adding, “one of the most important decisions any council can make is the appointment of the CEO, and that person is the head”.
“That person’s accountable for the administrative arm of the organisation, the buck stops with the CEO,” he said.
“Now, under this scenario, you could have a situation where a CEO ends (with) someone who’s not their preferred candidate. They are not a suitable candidate and make a mistake. Yet the CEO is going to be responsible.
“It really blurs the lines of accountability, in my view.”
Cr Brett Olds recalled the Belcarra Reforms, under which “we had to get really used to (the term) “unintended consequences”.
“I see this causing huge problems in a lot of the 77 councils across Queensland, and it’s going to be a dog’s breakfast,” he said.
“I don’t agree that us elected people should be getting involved in this kind of stuff. I think the state government has messed up here.”
The motion was passed with an amendment to ensure the CEO is the chair of the Appointment Panel.
The changes come as the council’s Director of Planning, Growth and Sustainability Dr Mark Davey recently resigned, less than a year after he was appointed last November.
A statement from CRC earlier this week said national recruitment firm Davidsons would oversee a replacement, and Council wished Dr Davey all the very best with his future endeavours.
