Opposition says feud between Playford Council and suspended CEO must be resolved quickly
A feud between the state’s highest-paid council boss and his employer must be resolved quickly for ratepayers’ sake, says the State Opposition.
- CEO stood down after secret review uncovered ‘culture of bullying’
- New twist in Mal Hemmerling’s legal dispute with Playford Council
- Playford Council chief executive has been stood down on full pay
A feud between the state’s highest-paid council boss and his employer must be resolved quickly for ratepayers’ sake, says the State Opposition.
The Advertiser revealed on Friday that Playford Council chief executive officer Mal Hemmerling, 72, is threatening legal action after he was last week suspended on full pay from his $366,287-a-year job amid an investigation into a culture of bullying at the council.
Opposition local government spokesman Tony Piccolo — whose electorate covers part of Playford — called for a quick end to the “quite disappointing” row.
“I urge the parties to get on and resolve the matter quickly for the sake of ratepayers,” he said.
“We have one of the most disadvantaged areas and people need their council to focus 100 per cent on their needs.”
Dr Hemmerling had been accused of harassing a female employee in July, with the matter dealt with informally.
The council then voted in secret last week to suspend Dr Hemmerling, pending an independent investigation into separate concerns about his conduct.
Internal inquiries involving at least three law firms and a consultancy company have already cost ratepayers more than $200,000.
Dr Hemmerling, who denies any wrongdoing, will seek almost $395,000 in damages.
Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll said in a statement it would be inappropriate to comment on “individual employment matters to do with a particular council”.
Meanwhile, Dr Hemmerling’s lawyers have raised concerns about a “discrepancy” in his treatment compared with his deputy, Sam Green, who is paid $273,270.
In a legal letter sent to the council on Friday, lawyer Greg Griffin claimed action taken against the pair was “diametrically opposed”.
Dr Hemmerling was suspended last week while on sick leave by Mayor Glenn Docherty during the council’s election caretaker period.
Mr Griffin wrote Mr Green was not stood down while on sick leave but promoted, despite an internal inquiry recommending his suspension.
“You may care to explain the discrepancy between the treatment of Mr Green and (Dr) Hemmerling,” Mr Griffin wrote.
Mr Docherty and Mr Green did not return calls, while the council refused to comment.