Grant Council chief executive David Singe’s contract terminated less than a year into five-year contract

A council boss will sue his former employer for more than $1 million in damages after he was sacked less than a year into a five-year contract, his lawyer says.

Grant District Council, in the state’s South-East, terminated chief executive David Singe’s $200,000-a-year contract with immediate effect. Picture: Google Maps

A council boss will sue his former employer for more than $1 million in damages after he was sacked less than a year into a five-year contract, his lawyer says.

Grant District Council in the state’s South-East on Wednesday terminated chief executive David Singe’s $200,000-a-year contract with immediate effect.

The council in a brief statement issued today said it had chosen to “part company” with Mr Singe — who was hired in July 2018 — in line with the terms of his contract.

Former Grant District Council chief executive David Singe.

But Mr Singe’s lawyer Greg Griffin said the council terminated his client’s contract at a council meeting on Wednesday night without “any notice”.

Mr Griffin said the decision was based on a consultant’s report initially commissioned by Mr Singe to investigate “perceived cultural and bullying issues” in council.

“The report was not given to Mr Singe,” he said. “The council is now facing a claim for damages for the balance of his contract.

“Given that he was not provided with a copy of the report, nor given an opportunity to even respond to it, represents an absolute slam dunk case of denial of procedural fairness.

“He took this job because he just loved the South-East of SA.”

Mr Griffin, who is representing sacked Playford Council CEO Mal Hemmerling in a separate unfair dismissal case, said he would file a civil claim against Grant District Council for “in excess” of $1 million.

“He (Mr Singe) had dinner last night with the author of the report, who said it was not his recommendation that he be terminated,” Mr Griffin said.

“So far the only offer in termination that has been made by council is to contribute $500 for Mr Singe to return to Melbourne, which is, I suspect, the all time low ball offer of the 21st century.”

Mr Singe was recruited from WA where he continues to serve as board chairman of the non-profit Wheatbelt Health Network, and formerly worked in planning and regional development in WA and Broken Hill.

He also operates a local government, public sector and governance consultancy firm based in Victoria.

Grant District Council deputy CEO Jane Festerstonshaugh would not comment on Mr Singe’s departure “due to the confidentiality of the matter”.

Mr Singe’s termination follows that of Kangaroo Island chief Andrew Boardman in February for “wilful misconduct”.

Robe Council chief executive Roger Sweetman left his position on April 1, the day before the council released findings of an SA Ombudsman investigation, which found him guilty of misconduct in the management of a marina project.