$800k salary, $4b budget: Health chief Kerrie Freeman named as Brisbane City Council CEO

A community health expert who has headed up two of Queensland’s biggest health facilities has been announced as Brisbane City Council’s new CEO. She takes on a $4b budget and 9000 employees amid challenging economic times.

A business and community health expert who has headed up some of Queensland’s biggest health facilities has been announced as Brisbane City Council’s new CEO.

Dr Kerrie Freeman takes on a $4b budget, the size of South Australia’s, 9000 employees and the third largest city in the world by land area at a challenging point in its history.

The job comes with a hefty pay packet of between $700,000 and $799,999, according to the 2022-23 financial report.

Dr Freeman, who was expected to leave her current role as head of South Australia’s Flinders Medical Centre on December 15, has a track record of reforming troubled organisations.

She completely reorganised West Moreton Health six years ago after being appointed as CEO amid a string of scandals and claims of rampant bullying of staff by bosses.

Dr Kerrie Freeman has been announced as Brisbane City Council's new CEO. Picture: Supplied

When she took over as CEO of the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network in 2022 hospitals were battling record “ramping’’ and other problems.

Dr Freeman oversaw a major infrastructure program to address those problems, which had become a key election issue.

She was believed to have been attracted to the Brisbane City Council job partly because she wanted to be closer to family in Queensland.

Former CEO Colin Jensen, who had been in the role for 13 years, stepped down in April amid a wave of Queensland council chief executive resignations.

He was the second longest-serving chief executive in the city’s history after James Slaughter (1940-1967).

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced that Civic Cabinet had endorsed Dr Freeman.

Councillors at the Tuesday, September 10, meeting were expected to ratify the appointment.

It followed a national search conducted by executive recruitment firm, Davidson.

Former Brisbane City Council CEO Colin Jensen. Picture: Tara Croser

Dr Freeman has served as Health Service Chief Executive at West Moreton Health (2017-2022) and Executive Director Hospital Services, Children’s Health Qld (2015-2017).

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the national search for a new CEO attracted a significant number of high-calibre candidates.

Dr Freeman was selected because of her experience leading large, complex organisations that deliver both community services and significant infrastructure projects.

She also was chosen for her strong record in transforming complex public sector bodies, while maintaining high morale among a large and diverse workforce.

“Our Council team is committed to keeping Brisbane moving and Kerrie will play an important role helping us make that happen,’’ Mr Schrinner said.

“With her experience leading large complex organisations, Kerrie will play a critical role helping us build better roads, improve public transport, keep costs down for residents and make Brisbane’s lifestyle even better.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Dr Freeman said she was excited to take up the top job and her family, including a new granddaughter, was looking forward to returning to Brisbane.

“My family and I absolutely love Brisbane and all it has to offer and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to contribute my experience, passion and skills to a team that’s shaping Brisbane’s future,’’ she said.

“With all of the infrastructure developments already underway, and with the Brisbane 2032 Games on the horizon, there’s never been a more exciting time to be here and I’m keen to get started.”

South Australia Health Minister Chris Picton said he understood Dr Freeman’s decision.

“It is a testament to Kerrie’s intellect and leadership that she has been headhunted for the biggest local government job in the country,” he said.