Candidate seeks legal advice over general manager selection

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Wingecarribee Shire Council independent candidate Rachel Russel, as well as community group Friends of Wingecarribee, have obtained two independent legal opinions to challenge the selection of a new general manager.

A deferral would see a newly elected council in September make the appointment instead of current councillors.

A council spokesperson previously told the Southern Highland News that the recruitment was managed by an independent organisation that specialised in executive positions.

"As per the Local Government Act, the position of General Manager is appointed by the governing body (councillors)," they said.

"They'll hear a report from the selection panel and resolve (in a closed meeting) to offer the successful candidate the position."

However, legal advice given to Ms Russell and Friends of Wingecarribee stated that "section would be 'unlikely' to be read otherwise as it could expose a council to unreasonable limitations".

Ms Russell said the issue would not be forgotten at the ballot box.

"There will be voter backlash if this Council, which only remains in place due to a Covid-delayed election, makes a permanent GM appointment against the best interests of the community," she said.

"It will not be forgotten. It is a new Council that should be able to select a General Manager to work with, rather than being potentially hampered by an appointment made by this dysfunctional Council ".

Friends of Wingecarribee president Adam Jacobson said it was "now a political decision rather than a legal directive."

"It is up to the councillors to decide whether they have the will and vision to act on community concerns," he said.

Residents and community groups have expressed their concern over the current council recruitment of the general manager. A petition that circulated in the community resulted in more than 500 signatures and more than 100 people attended a rally to call for the deferred appointment.

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