Mackay CEO Scott Owen on leave, mayor warns councillors after off-site meeting at George Christensen’s home

Mackay council’s CEO is on leave after a group of councillors allegedly had an off-site meeting at George Christensen’s home where his future was discussed.

Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen is currently on leave. Picture: Contributed

Mackay’s mayor has issued a letter warning the city’s councillors after a meeting at George Christensen’s home where they allegedly discussed the future of the council CEO, who has since went on leave.

Councillors Peter Sheedy and Nathenea MacRae were part of a group which met for what Mr Sheedy described as an “informal gathering” at Mr Christensen’s home.
When contacted, deputy mayor Karen May and councillor Marty Bella said they did not attend.

This masthead has seen a letter sent by Mr Williamson to the councillors which warns them of a complaint put to him about an off-site, unsanctioned council meeting prior to December 10 where discussions were being made to bring back to the council table.

The mayor described the allegation as “very disturbing given the recent public utterances about being open and transparent”.

Councillor George Christensen at the ordinary meeting of Mackay Regional Council. Picture: Heidi Petith

That letter claims there were complaints made of discussions which undermine the CEO’s employment, and that the CEO is aware councillors have been gathering to discuss his employment.

Mackay Regional Council said CEO Scott Owen was currently on leave.

“Executive Officer David McKendry is acting CEO in his absence”.

The Daily Mercury has asked each councillor whether they attended a meeting at Mr Christensen’s home, and if so, whether the council CEO was discussed as part of that meeting.

Scott Owen and Heath Paton at the Mackay Anzac Day Dawn Service in Jubilee Park on April 25, 2024. Photo: Zoe Devenport

We also asked each councillor if they support Mr Owen, and believe he is doing a good job.

Mr Bella said he did not attend.

“I was not involved in the meeting that you speak of,” Mr Bella said.

“I have complete faith in our CEO. I think he is a huge asset to our organisation and to lose him would be catastrophic.

“He is one of the best things that’s happened to the council for a long time.”

Councillor Peter Sheedy said there was an “informal gathering” at Mr Christensen’s home but not a “meeting”. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mr Sheedy said the claims of an off-site unsanctioned council meeting were a lot of “hot air”.

“I think someone has got the bull by the tail. There was no meeting as such.”

Mr Sheedy confirmed councillors had an “informal gathering” at Mr Christensen’s home.

“Some of us have a good relationship with each other, there may have been a catch up at George Christensen’s place but certainly not a meeting,” he said.

When asked if he had confidence in the CEO or believed he is doing a good job, Mr Sheedy said “no comment”.

Ash-Lee Johnson said “no comment” about whether she attended the meeting or whether the CEO was discussed.

Cr. Nathenea MacRae had “no comment” about the meeting, but said councillors regularly have “get-togethers”. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Nathenea MacRae had “no comment” about a meeting in which the CEO’s employment was discussed, nor about whether she would back the current CEO.

When asked if she attended an informal gathering at Mr Christensen’s home, she said, “We have get-togethers all the time, it’s quite normal”.

A source claimed Mr Owen has removed multiple middle managers in council and described it as “cutting down waste”.

Councillor Karen May did not attend the meeting. Picture: Heidi Petith

The source also claims Mr Owen had referred some unnamed councillors to the council watchdog, the Office of the Independent Assessor, which they were unhappy with.

By law, the council CEO must refer councillors to the OIA if they become aware of information indicating they may have engaged in suspected conduct breach or alleged misconduct.

The OIA was asked whether any of Mackay’s current crop of councillors had been referred to it for investigation.

A spokesman said the body is “not in a position to confirm or deny whether it has received a complaint or is investigating a matter unless the complainant or the subject councillor makes it publicly known”.

“If the matter becomes publicly known, the OIA may still not provide information if there is a risk of prejudicing operational activities or where legal obligations require the OIA to maintain confidentiality.

“The OIA maintains a strong focus on pursuing serious misconduct matters while working to support councillor capacity building across Queensland.”

The Mackay councillors, Greg Williamson, and Scott Owen have been contacted for comment.