Huon Valley Council general manager Jason Browne resigns after two years

After just two years into his five-year term, the Huon Valley Council general manager Jason Browne has announced his resignation. Some community members say he “just didn’t pass the pub test”.

Huon Valley Council general manager Jason Browne has resigned from his position. Pic Supplied

Huon Valley Council general manager Jason Browne has resigned from the position, two years into a five-year term.

Mr Browne’s time in the position attracted controversy after he was hired by the council through a conflicted recruitment process for the $259,175-a-year general manager’s role.

Mr Browne was revealed to be in a relationship with Red Giant, the head of the recruitment company hired by the council.

The Tasmanian auditor-general deemed the process for recruitment was “flawed” and that the council did not adequately manage the conflict of interest.

No suggestion was made about Mr Browne’s lack of suitability for the role.

Mr Browne said in a statement on Tuesday that he was grateful for the two years spent at Huon Council and the “opportunity to work with the Huon Valley community, staff, and councillors”.

“Our recent National Economic Development Award is indicative of the great work being progressed by council and I thank the staff for their passion in serving the community,” he said.

Huon Valley mayor Sally Doyle thanked Mr Browne for his “commitment” and contributions to the role, promising a “national search” to fill the GM's role.

Huon Valley Residents and Ratepayers president Pat Synge said it was not a surprise to many in the community that Mr Browne did not see out his term.

“Given his prior work history of short times during previous employments, we weren’t surprised that Mr Browne didn’t stay longer than two years,” he said.

Mr Synge said Mr Browne lived under a “shadow” of his conflicted appointment.

“He didn’t pass the pub test and people didn’t forget that,” he said.

The council said Infrastructure, Climate and Environment director Lachlan Kranz would fill in as acting general manager until a new appointment was made.

Originally published as Huon Valley Council general manager Jason Browne resigns after two years