Top tier law firm advising Whittlesea councillors on Overland sacking
A top-tier law firm has been working with Whittlesea Council since the controversial sacking of chief executive Simon Overland. But the services don’t come cheap, and their work isn’t finished yet.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Whittlesea Council has racked up $93,000 in legal fees since the embattled local authority terminated the contract of its former chief executive in a closed-door session in December.
The Whittlesea Leader understands top law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has been hired to provide legal advice to councillors and staff over Simon Overland’s controversial sacking.
Cr Lawrie Cox said it comes after the former police boss lodged an “adverse action” claim with Fair Work against the council.
“The lawyers are still acting and advising and these costs just keep racking up,” he said.
The former mayor questioned whether there was any opportunity to reinstate Mr Overland at last night’s council meeting.
But acting chief executive Kelvin Spiller said the council could not reverse its original decision.
“The former chief executive’s contract of employment has been terminated and in order for that outcome to be achieved (Overland appointed) there has to be a proper process gone through to make an appointment,” he said.
MORE NEWS
WHITTLESEA COUNCIL CEO REVOLVING DOOR CONTINUES
COUNCIL MEETINGS SET FOR PRIME TIME LIVE STREAM
MOWER SHORTAGE BLAMED FOR LONG GRASS IN MELBOURNE’S NORTH
There is also a push by Whittlesea Council staff members to have Mr Overland reinstated.
A 13 page document, seen by the Leader, shows 210 employees have signed a petition calling on him to be immediately sworn in as chief executive.
The petition states council staff believed Mr Overland’s contract was terminated “without reasonable justification” and had been “detrimental to staff wellbeing and the effective and efficient functioning of our City”.
The petition is yet to be tabled at a council meeting.
Cr Caz Monteleone said councillors were “deliberately baiting” staff for the purpose of political advantage.
“These reckless actions are causing immense angst and unnecessary division amongst the 1240 council staff,” he said.
The Leader has reached out to Fair Work for comment.