Lismore council workers pushing for councillor Big Rob to be investigated by state government

A union has accused an outspoken Lismore councillor of inappropriate behaviour, but he says he’s “not scared” and denied any wrongdoing.

A supplied Image of Lismore councillor Big Rob.

The union for local government workers has called for Lismore councillors to be investigated for allegedly interfering in council operations after a coup.

In a letter to Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg leaked by an anonymous source, the United Services Union condemned an attempt by councillor Big Rob to sack acting general manager John Walker.

A union meeting was held at Lismore City Council offices on December 16.

Claims were aired at the meeting about Mr Rob and other councillors “interfering” with the day-to-day running of the council, impacting on staff’s ability to undertake their duties.

Lismore City Council acting general manager John Walker and Mayor Steve Krieg earlier this year.

General secretary of the union Graeme Kelly OAM said: “The union has serious concerns for the welfare of the staff at Lismore City Council and the impact on the morale and the safety of staff should this situation continue.”

The union called on the Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman and the Office of Local Government to conduct an “immediate inquiry” into councillors regarding their alleged interference in staffing issues and inappropriate behaviour toward staff

The union targeted Cr Big Rob and “others who support him” in particular.

Mr Rob said he had lodged a no-confidence motion for the December council meeting, and considered an urgency motion to sack John Walker.

But he ultimately withdrew the no-confidence motion before the meeting once John Walker withdrew his application for the permanent role of general manager.

“In recent times, this council has been giving up all our power to the general manager with no time limits on certain things,” Mr Rob said.

The union has still sought to sanction Cr Rob for what he insisted was a lawful motion.

A supplied Image of Lismore councillor Big Rob.

“I’m not scared, bring it on,” he said.

“How can anyone sanction me for considering something I’m allowed to do?

“It's inappropriate for staff to try to control the governing body, to try to isolate them and threaten them with action and try to get them removed from council and investigated,” he said.

Mr Rob said the allegation of inference in staffing was untrue, because it isn’t within the power of councillors to interfere with staff other than the general manager.

“The only person that Lismore councillors can remove from office or put in office is the general manager. We're not allowed to deal with other staff,” he said.

“They’re condemning me for trying to look out for the community. I would not do this if I didn't think there was a problem.”