Greystanes councillor hired in Parramatta senior policy adviser role labelled “curious”
Councillors have called the appointment of a rival councillor to Parramatta’s inner circle as “ill-advised”.
Parramatta
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Councillors are calling the appointment of a rival councillor to the position of Parramatta’s senior policy adviser “ill-advised” and “curious”.
Liberal Ross Grove has been hired by Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson, despite currently holding an elected place on neighbouring Cumberland Council.
Many councillors said the hire gave them pause, as they were not told about the new role until Cr Grove officially started in January.
“What is the role exactly?” Liberal councillor Bob Dwyer asked. “What’s he supposed to do that we’re not doing?”
Cr Dwyer said the position being filled by an active councillor was not something he had seen in more than 20 years as a councillor.
The role, advertised online in November, includes undertaking complex policy work to inform the council’s future directions as well as “facilitating engagement and negotiations” between relevant people.
“I certainly wouldn’t be comfortable with a councillor from Cumberland negotiating on our behalf,” Parramatta Labor councillor Pierre Esber said.
“How do we know he’s not pushing Cumberland’s barrow?”
Both councils were recently involved in a bitter arbitration process following amalgamations in 2016, which saw Cumberland demand $24.6 million from their larger and wealthier next door neighbour.
The arbitration saw the suburb of Granville change hands from Parramatta to Cumberland, with councillors calling the suburb “neglected” and Cr Grove accusing his new employers of stealing money from residents.
“The bureaucrats at City of Parramatta are acting like Mexican bandits and the ratepayers of Granville deserve to have their money returned,” he said in 2016.
The animosity continued during Cr Grove’s time as mayor of Holroyd during the height of amalgamation talks.
But Cr Grove refused to answer any questions about his new role and the possible conflict of interest.
“The NSW Government has established guidelines that apply to all councils, with respect to managing conflicts of interests, and for 10 years I have operated within that framework,” he said.
“It is not the practice of any elected councillors to comment further on matters concerning their employer, and I intend to do the same.”
Parramatta Deputy Mayor Michelle Garrard said she did not believe there was “anything untoward happening”.
“I support Andrew’s decision to appoint Ross ... I’ve spoken to Ross and told him our party’s views and our vision to ensure he advises him accordingly.”
The 12-month contract also includes travelling with the mayor to events and boasts a $118,540 salary.