Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton tells all after former chief executive Dave Burges had contract terminated

The mayor of a regional Queensland council has spoken out after the sensational termination of their chief executive over a live streamed meeting earlier this year. Here’s what she said.

Former Southern Downs Regional Council chief executive Dave Burges and mayor Melissa Hamilton.

The mayor of a regional Queensland council has weighed in after the council sensationally terminated their chief executive over a live-streamed meeting.

Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton spoke plainly when the news broke in September, saying the move was made with “the best interest of ratepayers in mind”.

Southern Downs Regional Council announced the contract of their chief executive Dave Burges was terminated “effectively immediately” with the announcement broadcast during the council’s September 18 Ordinary Meeting.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (Photo: Michael Hudson)

It is understood Mr Burges was on leave at this time and that it’s common for a change in chief executives after local government elections.

Steve Johnson was announced as the acting chief executive for Southern Downs Regional Council.

In a statement to Warwick Daily News, Ms Hamilton said she can give the community “the transparency it has wanted” in the wake of Mr Burges speaking out to another Southern Downs news outlet.

“Discussions were held with Mr Burges prior to his departing Australia, and he knew before leaving that his contract with council was at an end,” Ms Hamilton said.

“The only question was whether or not his termination would be accompanied by a deed of settlement.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (Photo: Michael Hudson)

“To agree to a deed of settlement, the usual approach in these cases, Mr Burges demanded that his contractual payment on termination be increased by 50 per cent.

“Councillors believed that this additional payment could not be justified as there was no legal requirement to pay this money, it lacked transparency and it would be an inappropriate use of ratepayers’ money.

“I, along with my fellow councillors, could not in good conscience use ratepayer money in this way. We made the decision that we believed was in the best interests of ratepayers.”

Former Southern Downs Regional Council chief executive Dave Burges

Speaking with Warwick Today, Mr Burges said the way he was terminated was “disgusting” and claimed the council engaged in “gutter politics”.

“It’s common practice after an election for CEOs to depart, I get that … but the way it was done was disgusting in my view,” he said.

Mr Burges said the move was “underhanded” and “demeaning” and damaged the council’s reputation.

With an “impeccable” record as chief executive, Mr Burges told Warwick Today Ms Hamilton wanted “no trace of the former mayor or former council”.

“I’ve never knowingly broken any rules or contravened any policies and certainly hold my integrity (or) value it extremely highly,” he told Warwick Today.

Ms Hamilton confirmed on Wednesday the search for a new chief executive was looking “incredibly positive” with a number of applicants being interviewed at the moment.

The mayor said the council was hoping to appoint the new chief executive in January 2025.