Maranoa council CEO Julie Reitano forced out months early

Outgoing Maranoa Regional Council CEO Julie Reitano has been booted out of her job earlier than planned, after a controversial vote that left some councillors outraged.

Maranoa Regional Council generic. Photo: Lachlan Berlin

Outgoing Maranoa Regional Council CEO Julie Reitano will be forced out of her position early, after a motion was passed to extend her leave and effectively leave her position vacant from December 24.

Ms Reitano’s tenure was due to end on March 1 after council voted in August not to renew her contract.

Instead of returning after the council’s Christmas shutdown period, Ms Reitano is now obliged to stay on annual leave until her contract expires. As a result, she has just five weeks left in the top job.

After more than a decade with the Maranoa Regional Council, Ms Reitano’s hastened departure has come as a shock to councillor Wendy Taylor.

“I think it’s very sad that she couldn’t go the way she wanted to go, which was to leave her house in order for the community,” Ms Taylor said.

“I honestly don’t believe it’s in the community’s interest to do what has been done”

“It wasn’t done the right way.”

Ms Taylor voted against the motion earlier this month, alongside councillors Cameron O’Neil and Johanne Hancock who also voted against the August decision to not renew Ms Reitano’s contract.

Mayor Tyson Golder and Deputy Mayor Geoff McMulllen recused themselves because of a conflict of interest and the motion passed four-to-three, with councillors George Ladbrook, Julie Guthrie, John Birkett, and Mark Edwards endorsing the decision.

Speaking against the motion to extend the CEO’s leave, councillor Cameron O’Neil aired concerns about ethics and said he would be “disgusted” if it passed.

Maranoa Regional Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie Reitano.

“This is forcing the CEO to take annual leave, [which] in essence terminates her contract here,” Mr O’Neil said.

“I’ve had the honour of sitting at this table since 2012. Between 2012 and the start of this term, there were close to 6500 decisions.

“I’ve got to say that this particular resolution is the lowest standing resolution I’ve had to add my voice to.”

Mr O’Neil reaffirmed earlier comments lambasting the decision to not renew Ms Reitano’s contract as a “dark day.”

“I stand by those comments. And, I think this will be even darker,” he said.

“It will be a stain on this council that this is the way we treat our employees.”

The rationale behind the motion was a matter of debate between councillors.

Mr Ladbrook called the motion a good business decision, while Mr Brickett placed the onus on the fact that Ms Reitano had accrued significant amounts of leave.

“There was supposed to be a lot of time taken last month and it wasn’t,” Mr Brickett said.

“The excess leave is a big thing for me. I’d hate having that hanging over my head in the coming months.”

Ms Taylor said those claims didn’t add up.

“This definitely wasn’t a financial decision because of the fact all her labour has been accounted for,” Ms Taylor said.

“It’s all been budgeted for.”

Ms Reitano’s departure will also likely coincide with that of at least two council directors.

Created as part of the council restructure that began last year, the directors for the areas of Booringa and Bondemere were hired on temporary contracts between three and six months.

Ms Reitano has been contacted for comment.