Former Infrastructure Australia boss accepts top job at Inner West Council

The former boss of Infrastructure Australia has accepted an offer to be the new CEO of Inner West Council on a salary of about $440,000 a year.

Former Infrastructure Australia boss Michael Deegan has accepted an offer to become the new CEO of Inner West Council.

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THE former boss of Infrastructure Australia has accepted an offer to be the new CEO of Inner West Council under a contract worth about $1.3 million over three years.

During a closed meeting at Inner West Council on Tuesday night, 11 of 15 councillors supported the appointment of Michael Deegan who was chosen from a field of 42 applicants.

Mr Deegan was selected over Marrickville general manager Brian Barrett and former ABC CEO David Pendleton who were also among the three finalists for the top job.

The Courier has been told Mr Deegan will be paid about $440,000 a year; less than current general manager Rik Hart who earns almost $500,000 a year.

Mr Deegan is also the former CEO of the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure with more than 40 years experience as a senior officer in state and federal government.

He has also held senior positions with the Labor Party, including as a chief of staff to prominent NSW Labor politicians Michael Knight and Frank Walker.

In his role as infrastructure minister, Grayndler MP Anthony Albanese reappointed him for another five year term as the boss of Infrastructure Australia in 2008.

Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne says Mr Deegan’s expertise in transport and infrastructure will help them carry out major projects like the Greeneway. (AAP IMAGE/ Danny Aarons)

Inner West Labor mayor Darcy Byrne told the Courier representatives from Labor, the Greens and the Liberals “agreed he is the most outstanding candidate for the job”.

When asked whether his Labor ties had anything to do with his appointment, Cr Byrne said: “It’s obvious to anyone who looks at Mr Deegan’s CV, having been CEO of infrastructure Australia, having run the largest department in the South Australian Government, that he’s over-qualified to be the CEO of the Inner West”.

“It’s a huge step forward for us to have someone of his calibre step forward to lead our organisation.

“We were looking for an outstanding candidate and to be honest he is the most qualified person I’ve ever seen appointed as CEO or GM of a council in NSW.”

But several councillors have raised concerns about the recruitment process.

Mr Deegan has worked as a chief of staff for the Labor party and as a senior officer at state and federal government departments.

Crs John Stamolis, Vic Macri and Julie Passas presented a statutory declaration to the meeting outlining their concerns.

They were particularly concerned that just three of the six councillors on the selection panel had backed Mr Deegan for the three year contract.

But they were not critical of Mr Deegan himself.

Cr Byrne, who chaired the panel, said the recruitment followed a “good and proper process”.

“The process has been completed properly and more importantly we have an outstanding candidate who can lift the quality of infrastructure and services in the inner west,” he said.

He said Mr Deegan’s appointment comes at an important time in the implementation of major projects such as the Ashfield Pool redevelopment and the Greenway.

“Michael has a massive amount of experience with the planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects and services at both a state and national level,” Cr Byrne said.

“Our objective is to deliver the highest quality of infrastructure and services of any local government in Australia. Having such a highly qualified and regarded leader as the CEO of the Inner West will help us to achieve this.”

Mr Deegan said that he was delighted to accept the appointment as CEO.

“This is a different role for me, but I am very passionate about coming to work in the Inner West,” he said.

“I believe that we can really build on the opportunities I see here with the vibrant community and the very talented staff of this Council.”