Parramatta Council CEO Brett Newman quits

The resignation of Parramatta Council’s chief executive officer signals a failure for the LGA running Sydney’s “second city” to retain senior staff of that calibre, the former mayor who recruited him said.

Parramatta Council CEO Brett Newman has quit the top job after three years, when he was recruited to get the booming city on track.

Mr Newman announced his resignation from the job, which pays between $500,000 and $550,000, on Friday and is understood to be leaving at the end of September — around the same time the council’s $136 million Phive building housing the chambers and library will open.

Former Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer, who was one of the councillors who recruited Mr Newman, blamed councillors’ behaviour for wearing down staff and expressed disappointment over his resignation.

“It’s just sad you have to keep revolving these CEOs every two and three years just because the councillors get their noses out of joint,’’ he said.

Parramatta CEO Brett Newman will leave the top job at the end of September.

“It’s just disappointing that we can’t keep good senior staff like that, particularly when Parramatta’s grown so much.

“We recruited him because we wanted someone to keep the city back on track.

“He’s done an excellent job. I liked Brett because he came from State Government and had plenty of experience.

“I think he’s done a great job and it’s sad we lost a guy of his calibre.’’

In a statement Mr Newman said he would return to the private sector after accepting a role, and spend more time with his family after making the difficult decision to step down.

“I am humbled and proud to have had the opportunity to lead this great organisation and contribute to the City of Parramatta’s incredible transformation over the past three years,’’ he said.

“It has been an honour to work with such a talented and enthusiastic group of people at City of Parramatta Council, who are absolutely committed to putting their community first.’’

The former Property NSW CEO began his tenure at Parramatta a year after the council sacked its CEO Mark Stapleton for allegedly bolstering his resume to score the $500,000-a-year job.

Mr Stapleton denied faking his CV.

In July 2019, the NSW Supreme Court dismissed Mr Stapleton’s legal case against the council because he had no reasonable cause of action and had failed to show up to court.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis credited Mr Newman for overseeing major projects such as Parramatta Square, Parramatta Aquatic Centre and the CBD Planning Proposal.

“Brett has played a central role in implementing council’s vision, through the delivery of major projects for our community,” Cr Davis said.

“Brett’s advocacy has built vital relationships that will endure for the benefit of our city.’’