Parramatta Council CEO Mark Stapleton suspended over fake CV allegations
THE man overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars in property deals in Sydney’s second CBD has been stood down from the council’s top job following allegations he falsified parts of his CV to land the $500,000 role two months ago.
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THE man overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars in property deals in Sydney’s second CBD has been stood down from the council’s top job.
But despite the seriousness of the allegations, one Liberal and one Labor councillor have stuck by embattled Parramatta Council CEO Mark Stapleton.
Mr Stapleton was suspended on full pay on Friday night following allegations he falsified parts of his CV to land the $500,000 role two months ago.
Mr Stapleton denies the allegations.
The council has also ordered an independent external review to investigate the claims.
“City of Parramatta Council has said it does not accept the veracity of the recent allegations made against its Chief Executive Officer Mark Stapleton,” a council statement said.
“At an Extraordinary Council meeting tonight the Council suspended Mr Stapleton on full pay and appointed its Director of City Services Sue Coleman as Acting CEO effective immediately.
“The independent external review will be conducted to confirm the authenticity of the work experiences, qualifications, references, and associated claims provided by Mr Stapleton in relation to his application for the role of Director of Property Development Group (PDG) and CEO at City of Parramatta Council.”
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Mr Stapleton’s appointment was divisive from the start, with an 8-7 vote in the council chamber getting him over the line.
The votes came from all Liberal councillors and number of Labor councillors.
Last night that support deserted him, with Liberal Benjamin Barrak and Labor’s Paul Han the only two councillors who voted against the move to suspend Mr Stapleton.
“The review will also examine the accuracy of Mr Stapleton’s declaration of interests under section 449 of the Local Government Act as well as the recruitment of Mr Stapleton to the roles of Director of PDG and CEO at City of Parramatta Council,” the council statement said.
“A suitably qualified senior individual will be commissioned to lead the inquiries.”
The suspension follows a turbulent ten days for Mr Stapleton, who accused Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson of “turning red” with aggression during a September 31 meeting with him.
Independent councillors Lorraine Wearne and Michelle Garrard also have been served with legal letters from Mr Stapleton, sources said, demanding an apology for public comments about Mr Stapleton made last week.
Mr Barrak labelled the suspension a “witch-hunt”.
“The CEO was given a contract of employment after participating in a lengthy interview and vetting process where both council and specialist recruitment consultants, Korn Ferry, had every opportunity to vet the CV,” Mr Barrak said.
“I have satisfied myself that Mr Stapleton’s qualifications stand up to scrutiny and consider that the city is fortunate to have a CEO of his integrity and ability.
“Although he is suspended, I look forward to a transparent and robust investigation to bring this saga to an end.”
Mr Barrak said Mr Stapleton’s suspension may be linked to a major restructure of the council to be voted on at the September 10 council meeting.
Sources said Parramatta Council may also debate the position of Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson at Monday night’s council meeting.
Mr Wilson is a former staffer of Planning Minister Anthony Roberts.
Mr Stapleton has not responded to requests for comment.