Far North mayor acknowledges ‘interest’ in controversial CEO appointment
Cairns mayor Amy Eden will take a “hands off” approach to the permanent appointment of the council’s next CEO – after recommending her former campaign advisor to the top job in May.
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Cairns mayor Amy Eden will take a “hands off” approach to the permanent appointment of the council’s next CEO after recommending her former campaign advisor to the top job in May.
The interim chief executive is now poised to be a frontrunner for the key civic post, having already served more than four months in the role.
Ms Eden chaired the selection panel that saw former CEO, John Andrejic, return to his old job, after guiding the former councillor’s campaign to victory in March.
The mayor faced strong objections from councillors at the time, including Division 1 councillor Brett Moller, who questioned the “integrity and ethics” of Ms Eden having any involvement in Mr Andrejic’s appointment.
Questions were also raised around whether the mayor had a “prescribed conflict of interest” under the Local Government Act.
At the time of Mr Andrejic’s appointment, councillors first voted that Ms Eden had a declarable conflict of interest, before allowing her to take part in the process immediately afterwards in a second vote.
Then, in a bizarre twist, councillors unanimously voted to dissolve the four-person selection panel, chaired by Ms Eden, during a closed session last month.
Cairns Regional Council later announced recruitment agency Davidson would lead the nationwide talent search.
“Appointing a recruitment company to conduct a nationwide talent search for the council’s new CEO ensures transparency and independence of the process, while maintaining the confidentiality of all applicants,” a spokesman said in September.
“Council offered the opportunity by expressions of interest allowing local and national companies to submit a proposal.
“Under the new process, all councillors will have a greater opportunity to take part in formal interviews of the short-listed CEO candidates.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Ms Eden said she had decided to remove herself from the selection process - after facing criticism from councillors and significant community backlash.
“I acknowledge the interest in my involvement in the recruitment process of Mr Andrejic as the interim CEO, despite legal advice and a vote in council that approved my involvement,” she said.
“As such, I will be excusing myself from the recruitment, selection, interview and appointment processes for the permanent CEO role if Mr Andrejic is short-listed for the role.”
In June, Ms Eden and Mr Andrejic walked out of a press conference after being asked if they had been contacted by the Crime and Corruption Commission regarding his appointment.
It’s understood the matter has been referred to the corruption watchdog.
Mr Andrejic is not accused of any wrongdoing.
A council spokesperson has previously said neither Mr Andrejic, nor Ms Eden had been contacted by the CCC.
Mr Andrejic has confirmed he will apply for the permanent CEO position which will pay the successful applicant at least $417,420 per year.
Applications for the CEO position closed on September 18.
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Originally published as Far North mayor acknowledges ‘interest’ in controversial CEO appointment
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