Ipswich City Council postponed appointment of new CEO at special October meeting

The Ipswich City Council was set to hire the replacement of former council chief David Farmer, until the special meeting called to appoint the new CEO was called off at the last minute. Here’s why:

The Ipswich City Council has delayed the appointment of a new full-time chief executive officer following a last-minute cancellation.

The council planned to appoint the CEO at a special meeting on October 8, with the successful candidate set to receive a pay packet rivalling the Prime Minister at an impressive $450,000-$550,000 per year.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the council rescheduled the meeting until the end of October, citing a need to see additional information.

“Council is waiting on additional information from its recruiter, Davidson, to inform the special council meeting and unfortunately not all information was available by the proposed meeting date,” Cr Harding said.

“Given the importance of the decision, council has opted to wait for this information and reschedule the meeting.”

Cr Harding said although former council CEO David Farmer earned a substantial salary, the new wage may differ.

“The salary for the incoming CEO will depend on the level of expertise and experience of the successful applicant,” she said.

Ipswich City Council's acting CEO Sonia Cooper.

The council has been without a permanent CEO for six months.

In March, senior council officer Sonia Cooper stepped in to lead the council as acting CEO.

Cr Harding said the council received 84 applications from across Queensland and interstate for the permanent job offer.

“Through a detailed selection process including interviews, psychometric testing, referee reports, and employment and integrity checks, Council will be presented with a shortlist of (two) candidates for their final vote,” she said.