Acting Whittlesea Council boss warned about ‘difficult task’ to improve workplace
The man replacing Simon Overland as Whittlesea Council CEO has spoken to the media for the first time, revealing a workplace improvement plan. But a politician warns the acting boss faces an “extremely difficult task”.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Whittlesea Council‘s acting chief executive Kelvin Spiller has spoken out about his latest challenge after Simon Overland’s controversial decision to step away from the top job.
The former police chief commissioner announced on November 20 he would be taking an indefinite leave, citing “health and safety” reasons and “difficult” working conditions.
It comes just before Mr Overland is due to take the stand at the Lawyer X royal commission.
Interim boss Mr Spiller told the Leader it would be “business as usual” under his reign, but was unaware how long that period would be.
The council troubleshooter, who was appointed on November 23 to “carefully review” the circumstances which led to Mr Overland taking leave, has already asked councillors for the top three issues they thought required immediate attention.
“It could be a very short time or could be longer, but under the circumstances in relation to Simon being on leave my time here is very much unknown,” he said.
“As part of a steep learning curve in order to understand the situation here regarding operations and strategic direction I am trying to gain an understanding on councillors’ major priorities — and I will be asking the same questions of staff when I meet with them.”
Mr Spiller said managing the relationship between staff and councillors would be one of his priorities.
“I want to oversee the progress of council’s plan for 2019-20 in relation to projects, provision of services and any contracts we may have in plan.
“I also want to continue leadership of this organisation in relation to providing advice and guidance to a number of groups, that being the mayor and councillors, the staff organisation and the local community.”
Mr Spiller refused to comment on internal allegations of bullying.
Yan Yean state Labor MP Danielle Green wished Mr Spiller well, but said the council’s fourth chief executive in three years was in for an “extremely difficult task”.
“Unless the councillors themselves change their way of operating I’m not sure any CEO can ensure a safe workplace in the current circumstances,” she said.
“Constant hiring and firing of CEOs will mean that Whittlesea Council will continue to lose staff and will fail to attract staff because no one wants to work in an unsafe workplace.”
MORE NEWS
MOWER SHORTAGE BLAMED FOR LONG GRASS IN MELBOURNE’S NORTH
EXTRA PARKING AT SOUTH MORANG TRAIN STATION SET TO STAY, FOR NOW
SIX-STOREY APARTMENT PLAN ON CARDS FOR THOMASTOWN STATION PRECINCT
Ms Green urged councillors to put “long-suffering ratepayers first” and help improve the deteriorating situation at the council.
“Ratepayers have a mere 10 months until they can make their own change and I urge them to do so — at the ballot box,” she said.
“The councillors responsible for this constant hiring and firing deserve to be fired themselves — by voters.”
Mr Spiller will chair his first meeting as acting chief executive on December 10.