Former Huon Valley Council general manager received a $98,308 ‘termination benefit’

The former general manager of a small rural Tasmanian council received a big ‘termination benefit’ when he left the role, two years into a five-year contract.

Jason Browne. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The Huon Valley Council’s former general manager, whose employment was marred by controversy, received a near $100,000 “termination benefit” when he left the top council role late last year.

The council’s annual report shows Mr Browne was paid $98,308, after his departure in October last year.

The report said the payment included “all forms of benefit paid or accrued as a consequence of termination”.

The report also shows in a three-month period from the start of last financial year, he’d received $79,535 as part of his salary.

After signing on for a five-year contract, Mr Browne spent just two years in the role.

The Council came under fire in 2021, after it was revealed Mr Browne, who was one of the lead candidates for the general manager position, was in a relationship with the head of the agency contracted to assist in the recruitment process.

Former Huon Valley Council general manager Jason Browne. Image: Supplied by Kentish and Latrobe Council.

Mr Browne was later successful in securing the role, which included a remuneration package of $246,175 per year.

There is no suggestion Mr Browne was not qualified for the role, or that he was not a deserving appointee.

An auditor-general investigation later found the council’s management of the conflict of interest was “flawed” and “undermined public confidence”.

When Mr Browne resigned from the council in October last year, there was no explanation given around the circumstances of his departure.

It came after a special meeting was held in September 2023, which only detailed “Personnel Matter” on the agenda.

He was replaced by Lachlan Kranz, who was appointed on a five-year performance-based contract.

The Huon Valley Council declined to answer questions from the Mercury.

Huon Valley Council CEO Lachlan Kranz. Picture: Supplied.

In May this year, Mr Browne was appointed as the general manager of the Kentish and Latrobe Councils for a five-year term.

Originally published as Former Huon Valley Council general manager received a $98,308 ‘termination benefit’