Liverpool Council: management exodus as chief executive, senior staff resign
Claims of a “toxic work environment” have been blamed for a mass exodus of senior management at a major Sydney council. SEE WHERE IT IS HAPPENING HERE.
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A massive Sydney council has witnessed a major exodus of senior management staff — with claims a “toxic work environment” is pushing employees out the door.
Former Liverpool Council chief executive Kiersten Fishburn, deputy chief executive Tim Moore, the council’s Fifteenth Avenue Smart Transit corridor coordinator Ed Steane and city design manager David Petrie all resigned from the Western Sydney council over the past several months.
The resignation of Ms Fishburn comes after a February 26 general meeting, where councillors voted not to renew the former chief executive’s contract, due to expire in December, citing a “belief that the newly elected Council should be afforded the opportunity to determine the CEO”.
The Liverpool Leader understands Ms Fishburn was told she could reapply for her role following the confidential motion, which saw all council staff removed from the chamber during the vote.
Ms Fishburn’s departure from the council saw several other members of her senior management team also releave their positions.
Council sources told The Leader that “rising tensions and a toxic work environment” made it difficult for senior staff to continue working for the council.
“There was a growing conflict against Ms Fishburn and other senior staff,” the source said.
“The former chief executive was forced to protect her staff, meaning she became the target”.
There’s no suggestion of wrongdoing by any individuals formerly or presently at the council.
Labor councillor Geoff Shelton voted against the motion to oust the former chief executive in February.
Mr Shelton said he didn’t agree with the motion and “believed that the previous CEO had done an excellent job”.
“There is a matter of regret on my part that the motion was carried,” Cr Shelton said.
“It represents the culmination of a number of steps taken over several months, which saw a changing position against the chief executive.”
Cr Shelton said he was concerned by the council’s decision to remove Ms Fishburn, instead calling for stability in council leadership.
“I don’t want to criticise the work of current acting chief executive,” Cr Shelton said.
“But it is always important to maintain the highest level of confidence and trust in council’s senior management.”
When questioned over the number of senior staff resignations, Liverpool Council acting chief executive, Dr Eddie Jackson, said “council does not comment on the circumstances of individual staff members”.
“Council employs nearly 900 staff members to serve our community and has a strong senior management team,” Dr Jackson said.
“Staff movements at all levels are expected over time.”
Ms Fishburn had been employed as the CEO of Liverpool Council since 2017.
The former chief executive was contacted for comment.