Head of state government construction training board leaves role, but there’s no explanation why

The chief executive of a controversial state government board has suddenly left his role in a mystery departure.

The boss of a controversial state government board has been mysteriously sacked.

Andrew Fullgrabe has been the more than $200,000 a-year chief executive of the taxpayer-funded Construction Industry Training Board since January last year.

But Mr Fullgrabe, an ex-army officer and defence industry executive, suddenly “departed” on Monday “without cause”.

Sources said the board had lost confidence in him, despite no prior warnings.

It is understood there was friction at reducing industry levies and staffing issues.

The board has been at the centre of controversy and political rows, and placed under formal review.

The board’s current workforce, skills and training director Holly Willcox has been appointed interim chief executive.

Its last chief executive quit after spending controversies.

In a statement on Monday night, the board, refused to comment on the circumstances surrounding Mr Fullgrabe’s departure.

The CITB said Ms Willcox would be officially appointed as chief executive at a board meeting on Tuesday.

The board, led by presiding member Maree Wauchope, said it was “grateful for his efforts during a demanding period”.

She wrote in its latest 2020/21 annual report: “It has not been an easy year.

“However, Andrew has maintained a steady demeanour and met all challenges head on with a collaborative leadership style that has further developed our key partnerships with industry and

government.”

Mr Fullgrabe, a senior executive with extensive experience in defence, training and the housing industry, refused to comment.

Officials at the time said he was appointed “following a rigorous process”.

Former chief executive officer of the Construction Industry Training Board, Andrew Fullgrabe. Picture: Linkedin

The board has been at the centre of controversy and placed under formal review under the Liberal government amid revelations about lavish spending of public money.

This included billing taxpayers $47,000 for an anniversary dinner for 110 people and interstate travel, while it also mistakenly received at least $1.3m in levies from dozens of construction projects.

Ministers had sought to reform the organisation amid a political row over those appointed to its board, comprising union, vocation and education officials as well as successful industry leaders.

Taxpayers fund it through a construction industry training fund levy on every building contract over $40,000, paid for either by homeowners or builders.

It also receives government funding to help support, attract, train and retain building and construction workers.

The levy was created under the Construction Training Industry Fund Act 1993.

The term of the current board will expire in June.