Axed CEO calls for reinstatement after sacking

AXED CEO Sharon Kelsey has said a prompt reinstatement to her role would go a long way to correcting the matter.

CEO Sharon Kelsey poses for a photo in her office at Logan City Council, Thursday, December 7, 2017 (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

AXED CEO Sharon Kelsey said she would have no hesitation in returning to the job she loved at Logan City Council.

Speaking to the Albert & Logan News, Ms Kelsey said she would not be intimidated and if given the chance after the court processes, “would love to return to my role as CEO”.

“I was never in this for the money, so it was not an option for me to sign a confidentiality agreement and leave,” she said.

“A prompt reinstatement would go a long way to correcting the matter.

“As CEO I take my responsibility of providing a safe work environment seriously.

“I will always create an environment where staff are encouraged to speak up and offer divergent views which are listened to.

“Local government prospers when there are open and transparent opportunities for the community to engage and for all democratically elected councillors to have a voice.

“If really robust and solid governance practices are enabled they provide the parameters for even the most tested of relationships to remain constructive and professional.

“This is the basis to put confidence back into local government.

“Democracy rules only when it acts and respects the best interests of the community it serves and the privilege of acting in the greater public good.”

Ms Kelsey was sacked from the role this month.

She took action in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission against Mayor Luke Smith and the council over concerns Cr Smith had interfered in her probation review after she had made a misconduct complaint against him.

Traditionally such reviews are done in-house using senior council officers.

However, council hired a reputable third party to conduct and compile a thorough and comprehensive review, using LGAQ’s Peak Services as a conduit between all parties.

The CCC has also been investigating allegations relating to Cr Smith’s donations and last month raided his office. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Documents were released yesterday showing details of an order from the Queensland Industrial Relations Court.

The court was looking at whether Mayor Luke Smith had attempted to influence a council decision on Ms Kelsey’s ongoing employment after she had made a Public Interest Disclosure statement on October 12 last year about Cr Smith’s conduct.

■ A Services Union meeting will be held for Logan City Council staff at Logan Gardens on Tuesday from 12.30pm. It is expected the meeting will discuss the sacking of the CEO and this week’s resignation of a high-level executive.