Mayor’s key adviser departs Cairns Regional Council

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden has one less confidante within the council following the shock exit of a key employee earlier this year.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden lobbied hard for Cairns Regional Council to employ two council advisers last year. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden has one less confidante within the council following the shock exit of a key employee earlier this year.

In September, Ms Eden appointed broadcaster, Gavin King, and former department of premier and cabinet staffer, Bree Graafland, as her advisers to support work in “policy, advocacy, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement”.

But multiple sources have confirmed that Ms Graafland departed last month after struggling to work collaboratively with the mayor through her probationary period.

The positions, which reportedly pay up to $154,000 per year, would help secure more funding for the region, Ms Eden argued, with disgraced Townsville mayor Troy Thompson even using the appointments to argue for a political adviser of his own.

Cairns Regional Council did not answer questions prior to deadline regarding Ms Graafland’s departure and it is unclear if she will be replaced.

Ms Graafland, who took action against ex-Labor Party colleagues and the state government last year, alleging that she was unlawfully discriminated against by them because she is a woman, declined to comment when contacted.

Last year, Ms Eden said the advisers would play a critical role in advocating for the city.

“These roles are vital in ensuring that our community’s needs are met effectively and that our council’s strategic initiatives are communicated clearly and implemented successfully,” she said.

The mayor has faced criticism from councillors recently after sending an email that levelled several serious criticisms at the council’s new CEO Ken Gouldthorp.

Her suggestion for the council to buy a stake in the North Queensland Airports Group, estimated to be worth $3bn, was also shot down by deputy mayor, Brett Olds.

“I think we should just put that idea in the trash can where it belongs,” Mr Olds told Channel 7 News this week.

Originally published as Mayor’s key adviser departs Cairns Regional Council