Whittlesea staff share support for axed council CEO Simon Overland on LinkedIn

Staff and former leaders at Whittlesea Council have spoken glowingly of ex-boss Simon Overland, revealing he was “disappointed” with his recently reached confidential six-figure settlement and wanted “considerably more than he got”.

Whittlesea Council was sacked in March and administrators appointed.

Current and former leaders at Whittlesea Council have sung Simon Overland’s praises, claiming the former chief executive was “denied justice” after reaching a settlement with the council last month.

The council has remained tight-lipped on the “confidential” settlement.

But sources told Leader Mr Overland agreed on a “significant” figure close to $400,000 — to be paid in three instalments over the next 12 months.

It is understood Mr Overland was “disappointed” with the settlement and only agreed due to “extremely lengthy delays” expected in the state’s legal system as a result of the pandemic.

Sources said the former Victoria Police chief wanted “considerably more than he got”.

WHITTLESEA’S 30 DAYS OF SCANDAL

Staff and managers at the council have since expressed their support for their ex-boss, taking to LinkedIn to sing his praises and wish him well.

Whittlesea Council manager Gino Mitrione said Mr Overland had the backing of staff.

“I have worked at City of Whittlesea for more than 21 years — rarely have I seen a CEO achieve as much as Simon Overland did in his short tenure,” he said.

“We won many awards but the most significant thing he did was remain true to himself, displaying courageous and authentic leadership by standing up against a group of councillors who stopped acting in the best interest of the City of Whittlesea.”

Liana Thompson.

Former Whittlesea director of partnerships, planning and engagement — and now chief executive of the Northern Grampians Shire — Liana Thompson also gave Mr Overland a glowing review.

“I feel so fortunate in having worked with Simon and proud of the great work that we did to shape the organisation and support the Whittlesea community,” she said.

“He has touched many of us and we are better for having experienced his leadership.”

Mr Overland still had two years remaining on his contract for which he was due to be paid $800,000, when his peers terminated his contract while he was on sick leave on December 10.

The council paid him out for a three-month notice period after the sacking.

Mr Overland then lodged an “adverse action” claim against the council with the Fair Work Commission.

The matter was poised to reach the Federal Court after mediation talks failed last month.

Former councillor Lawrie Cox tried to table a petition to have Mr Overland reinstated, but was shut down by his peers.

At least 187 Whittlesea Council staff members signed the 13-page document.

Mr Cox said ratepayers would be “the poorer” without Mr Overland’s leadership.

“Simon stood up and was counted when it mattered on all fronts,” he said.

“Unfortunately this (settlement) has rewarded the disgraceful behaviour of the group of councillors who decided to remove him when they couldn’t control him.”

MORE NEWS

HOW MUCH COUNCILLORS REALLY SPENT ON OVERLAND LEGAL FIGHT

MAJOR WHITTLESEA DEVELOPMENTS LINKED TO CASEY IBAC PROBE

WHITTLESEA REVEALS RATES RELIEF PLAN

Whittlesea Council administrator Lydia Wilson defended the council’s decision to settle the matter.

“In reaching this settlement with Mr Overland, we avoid a lengthy court process and further legal costs in relation to this matter,” she said.

“I believe this decision is in the best interest of the organisation and our community.”