Personality assessments taken at Cairns Regional Council’s $30,000 luxury worship for councillors
A Far North Queensland council spent $30,000 of ratepayers’ money on luxury accommodation and training at a five-star resort so councillors could take personality tests and engage in team building exercises.
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A Far North Queensland council spent $30,000 of ratepayers’ money on luxury accommodation and training at a five-star resort so councillors could take personality tests and engage in team building exercises.
But Cairns Regional Council has defended its cash splash, arguing the trip met its own procurement guidelines with two other quotes sourced before the event was held.
As previously reported, the council’s elected representatives attended an “off-site” two-day workshop in Palm Cove, staying at the award-winning Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa earlier this month, creating a “refreshed vision” for the municipality.
But it can now be revealed that mayor Amy Eden’s former campaign advisor and current acting CEO, John Andrejic approved the trip.
Upon his appointment in late May, Mr Andrejic, who previously worked as the council’s chief financial officer from 2013 to 2016, was touted by his supporters as a shrewd choice who would rein in excessive spending within the council.
It is understood at least one councillor raised concerns with Mr Andrejic about the decision to host the workshop at the “adults only” getaway which boasts of its glorious sunrises over the Coral Sea and ancient melaleuca trees.
All but two councillors – Division Two’s Matthew Tickner and Division Five’s Rob Pyne – chose to take up the invitation to spend two nights at the world-class hotel that regularly fetches around $420-a-night for its standard spa suite.
Both took part in workshop exercises during the day.
During the event, councillors took Myers-Briggs tests to determine their personality types and learn more about each other as people.
The questionnaire, based in part on the work of Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung, is commonly used at work retreats and identifies whether co-workers are extroverts or introverts.
Accommodation was provided for the workshop’s two facilitators which includes complimentary designer toiletries for its guests, a council spokesman said.
The council spokesman said quotes were also sought for Tinaroo Lake Resort and Seville Mercy Centre before opting to stay at the Reef House.
“Seville did not provide a quote as the venue was already booked. They advised this in writing,” the spokesman said.
“This is within council’s procurement guidelines.”
The decision to stay at the resort prompted tempered criticism from Member for Cairns Michael Healy, who questioned the expenditure recently.
“I don’t know the details but I think in a cost of living crisis people will judge,” Mr Healy said last week.
“For me, it’s like, ‘Wow. That’s interesting’ but I think people would understandably think that’s expensive.”
Earlier this week, the Cairns Post reported the council spent almost $20,000 refurbishing sacked CEO Mica Martin’s office after Ms Eden decided she preferred her former top boss’ office.
The council increased rates by 6.7 per cent in June.
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Originally published as Personality assessments taken at Cairns Regional Council’s $30,000 luxury worship for councillors
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