Former CEO John Andrejic may vie for return to Cairns council

Once one of the most powerful men in Cairns, John Andrejic has quietly resided in a seaside fishing village since his sudden exit from council in 2020. Now, many believe he has his eyes on a Lazarus-like return to prominence on Spence St.

Cairns Regional Council’s former CEO John Andrejic is believed to be interested in returning to the role. Picture: Marc McCormack

Eliminating conflicts of interest and “casting the net wide” in the search for Cairns Regional Council’s next CEO must occur, a long-term councillor says, as rumours swirl that a dark horse may vie for the coveted role.

Councillors met on Monday morning to voice concerns regarding the recruitment process following the resignation of former top executive Mica Martin.

It is understood that many councillors are of the belief that former CEO John Andrejic, one of Ms Eden’s key advisors, will apply for the role.

In February, Mr Andrejic was questioned by police following a profanity-laden argument with his former Mayor, Bob Manning during the mayoral campaign.

Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne says the process to appoint Cairns Regional Council’s next top executive must be transparent. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

No charges were laid following the incident.

An item will come before Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting recommending mayor Eden and deputy Brett Olds and councillors Matthew Tickner and Cathy Zeiger serve on the committee to appoint the council’s next executive.

But Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne said with Ms Eden potentially serving as a committee member, it was important the integrity of the process was safeguarded against any perception of “jobs for the boys” if Mr Andrejic was appointed.

“There is that perception of a (possible) conflict of interest and concern that others may have in the community,” Mr Pyne said.

Cairns Regional Council mayor Amy Eden and deputy mayor Brett Olds. The pair are expected to form part of the committee to appoint council’s next CEO. Picture Emily Barker.

“It’s normally a very thorough interrogative (application) process but it’s her call. It’s up to Amy to tell us whether there’s a conflict or not.

“Thankfully, I’m not the mayor and I don’t have to answer that question. I would just like an open, transparent process.

“I’d be happy to accept her assurance that the relevant criteria will be assessed.”

To find the best applicant, a nationwide search with the assistance of a recruitment agency was required, Mr Pyne said.

“The problem isn’t the people we do know, it’s the people we don’t know, so we need to cast the net widely,” he said.

“The rest is up to the councillors. We have a strong mayor and deputy, so I’d like to see a strong character in that role with a lot of experience and understanding of governance.

“I’d like someone who’s not going to be subject to political pressures who’s possibly worked in a similar role before.”

Mr Andrejic, who couldn’t be reached for comment, was once one of the most powerful men in Cairns, running an organisation with a budget of more than $300m and over 1200 staff members.

Following the Belcarra local government reforms introduced in May 2019, his influence became even greater with dozens of local government decisions delegated to the CEO.

But increasing disagreements between then-mayor Manning and the ex-CEO over planning decisions and a critical development meeting with industry leaders led to Mr Andrejic’s shock resignation in late 2020.

Mr Andrejic, who began his time at the council in 2013 as chief financial officer before rising to the position of CEO in 2016, helped steer the organisation through a dynamic and prosperous period.

The city’s next chief executive was a critical appointment, Mr Pyne said.

“Once the CEO is appointed, the staff answer to him, not the mayor,” he said.

“It’s a separation of powers.”

Mr Andrejic, who has spent much of his time fishing in Cardwell since his resignation, was named the Cairns Post’s most influential person of 2018.

It’s understood that multiple councillors have lobbied for Division 1 councillor, Brett Moller, to serve on the committee.

Ms Eden, through council’s media department, declined to comment as it would be “inappropriate” ahead of the issue being discussed at Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting.

Originally published as Former CEO John Andrejic may vie for return to Cairns council