Discrimination complaint raised by Mackay council CEO Scott Owen before resignation

A discrimination complaint was made to the mayor before the council CEO resigned, but the mayor said there were no acrimonious circumstances behind his exit.

What will the exit of former Mackay council CEO Scott Owen cost ratepayers? It’s commercial in confidence, according to the mayor.

The former soldier, who performed two tours of Afghanistan had his resignation accepted by the council on February 17.

But what agreements were made between the council and ex-CEO Scott Owen before he resigned, especially given complaints were raised about councillor behaviour towards him prior to his exit?

This masthead has seen an email from Mackay mayor Greg Williamson to councillors which notes a complaint being raised under Chapter 8 of the Industrial Relations Act.

Concern was raised about “discriminatory motives” playing a role in councillors allegedly gathering to discuss his termination, Mr Williamson wrote.

Scott Owen was a former soldier who returned home from tours in Afghanistan.

That email was sent on December 10.

By February 12, Mr Owen was on leave, and by February 17 he was gone.

When asked about that complaint and whether it was withdrawn prior to the financial arrangement which saw him resign Mr Williamson said “the complaint still remains within [Mr Owen’s] bailiwick”.

Mr Williamson said it was drawing a “long bow” to call Mr Owen’s exit acrimonious. Picture: Heidi Petith

He said there was a termination severance paid to Mr Owen, but the amount is “commercial in confidence”.

The “off-site, unsanctioned council meeting” as it was described in the complaint to Mr Williamson, was allegedly held at Councillor George Christensen’s home.

Mr Williamson said councillors have a right to gather together.

“There was no unsanctioned meeting as far as I can see.”

He would not confirm which councillors were there, as he was not at the meeting himself, but had discussed the meeting with the councillors.

George Christensen said he wasn’t aware of any councillor engaging in discriminatory behaviour and denied any “improper”, “off site, unsanctioned” meeting between councillors. Picture: Heidi Petith

“I’ve had conversations with councillors obviously and counselled them against any extraordinary unsolicited meetings of council and they assured me that didn’t happen,” Mr Williamson said.

The last time a CEO left Mackay council in acrimonious circumstances, it ended up costing ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not upwards of a million, this masthead put to Mr Williamson, when asking how much the exit of Scott Owen will cost Mackay ratepayers.

“You’re saying acrimonious, the CEO resigned,” Mr Williamson said.

“It’s not acrimonious, as you’ve described.”

Under the Deirdre Comerford reign, then-CEO Brett Hayward was fired after a private meeting between councillors.

Mr Heyward took the council to court in 2015, and a confidential settlement was reached.

Karen May and Greg Williamson have both denied attending the meeting between councillors which allegedly sparked the complaint. Picture: Heidi Petith

When asked if there were no unsavoury circumstances that caused Mr Owen to resign, Mr Williamson said “you’ll have to ask the former CEO that question”.

“I’ve got no comment to make on that at all.”

Mr Williamson noted Mackay’s CEO position had been stable in his 10 years in the role, with only three in the position.

The council has started the process to replace Mr Owen.

Belinda Hassan could not speak for other councillors, but denied discrimination by her against Mr Owen.

“We’re taking submissions from potential recruiters and looking at what we can do in house to save money, we have a fairly competent team of recruiters in house,” Mr Williamson said.

This masthead asked each councillor whether they would deny any discrimination against Mr Owen by themselves or their fellow councillors.

Peter Sheedy and Nathenea MacRae responded “no comment”, while deputy mayor Karen May said she was “not aware of any formal discrimination complaint made” from Mr Owen.

Mr Christensen said “I am not aware of any councillor engaging in discriminatory behaviour, and don’t believe any of us would act in that way”.

Peter Sheedy had “no comment”. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Belinda Hassan said, “speaking only for myself, I absolutely deny any discrimination by me against former CEO Scott Owen”.

“I cannot and will not speak for other councillors and have no further comment to make.”

Martin Bella said he “totally supported” Mr Owen, and said he was “great for our region”.

Alison Jones said she was not aware of any councillor discriminating against former CEO Scott Owen.

Councillor Alison Jones did not have enough information to vote to approve Mr Owen’s resignation. Picture: Heidi Petith

Ms Jones was the sole person to vote against accepting the CEO’s resignation, which she explained was due to her being recently away due to family bereavement.

“I did not feel I had enough information to make a decision, so I voted against.”

At the Wednesday council meeting, Mr Williamson thanked Mr Owen on behalf of the council, noting “our appreciation for his service, and the drive he displayed while he was in the job”.

“We wish him the best for the rest of his career.”

The Daily Mercury waited outside of council chambers to directly ask councillors about the discrimination claim, but was formally asked to leave by Mackay Regional Council acting CEO David McKendry.

Scott Owen was contacted for comment.