Mt Remarkable District Council embroiled in legal battle over the future of two senior executives
Two senior executives from a small country council have enlisted one of Adelaide’s top lawyers after they were temporarily suspended following an investigation.
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A small regional council has become embroiled in an expensive legal battle over the future employment of its two most senior executives.
Mt Remarkable District Council yesterday held a special meeting behind closed doors to receive legal advice from Adelaide law firm Norman Waterhouse about chief executive Wayne Hart and his deputy, Jessie White.
The pair were temporarily suspended early last month following an investigation by a human resources consultant.
Balance Human Resources Consulting principal Robert Wallace presented a confidential report to a closed council meeting in late March after interviewing present and previous staff about their complaints to councillors over the executives pair’s management.
The council met again behind closed doors in early April before requesting Mr Hart and Mrs White take extended leave while the council’s works manager, John Hadley, tendered his resignation.
Mrs White engaged Adelaide lawyer Greg Griffin to lodge legal action last week against the council in the Employment Tribunal, while Mr Griffin also has written letters to Norman Waterhouse on behalf of Mr Hart seeking more information.
Mr Griffin yesterday said the council could end up spending millions on legal fees and payouts if his clients lost their jobs.
“I have no idea what they are doing in respect of my clients but it is going to be financially disastrous,” he said.
Mr Griffin’s engagement came as the council’s audit committee last week received a report from independent auditors Galpins listing numerous potential risks in the council’s financial operations and accounting.
This followed staff reports presented to the council showing it did not have adequate controls over its executive credit cards and private use of council vehicles.
A residents’ association representing the council’s 3000 ratepayers wrote to elected members raising concerns about “grace days taken by senior staff during the Christmas-New Year period. Mr Hart, who was entitled to six weeks of annual leave, told the association the council’s opening hours were approved by council resolutions.
Mr Hart’s leave was part of a $220,000 package, which also included a $10,000 vehicle allowance, superannuation, an allowance of $500 for clothing and income protection insurance.
Mayor Phillip Heaslip refused to comment on legal advice.