Hobsons Bay CEO Aaron van Egmond quits $410k post, two months after suspension over workplace issues

Two months after being suspended on full pay, the chief executive of a western suburbs council has resigned from his highly paid post.

Former Hepburn Shire and Hobsons Bay CEO Aaron van Egmond has resigned from his highly paid post. Picture: supplied

The chief executive at Hobsons Bay council has quit, two months after he was suspended over claims of “unacceptable workplace behaviour”.

In a short statement, the council said: “CEO Mr Aaron van Egmond has resigned as he is moving interstate for family reasons. Council acknowledges his service.’’

Director of Corporate Services Andrew McLeod, who was also suspended, resigned last month, although the reason for his suspension was never made clear.

Mr van Egmond leaves his $410,000 a year post as investigations into workplace safety continue at the western suburbs council. It’s believed his family has moved to the Sunshine Coast.

Hobsons Bay corporate services director Andrew McLeod and chief executive Aaron van Egmond have both quit their jobs.

WorkSafe has monitored issues at the council headquarters in Altona.

The latest announcement follows Mr van Egmond being criticised in a leaked report, written by the Local Government Inspectorate, which found that while CEO at Hepburn Shire, he seriously underestimated the cost of the redevelopment of the Rex Theatre in Daylesford in 2016.

Hobsons Bay staff were informed in February that councillors moved after becoming aware of “concerns about safety in the workplace and the CEO’s fulfilment of his duties more broadly’’.

The Hobsons Bay Council offices on Civic Pde, Altona.

Former chief executive of the Municipal Association of Victoria Kerry Thompson has been appointed acting CEO taking over from Rachel Lunn.

The Herald Sun understands the council is conducting its own internal inquiry.

At least five other senior staff are understood to have signed deeds of release – similar to non-disclosure agreements – upon leaving the council in recent months.

Former acting CEO Rachel Lunn.

Mr van Egmond took six months leave from his Hobsons Bay job in the first half of 2022, a mix of long service leave and unpaid leave, the council said.

Soon after his return he was granted a $20,000 pay rise.

Mr van Egmond refused to comment on the matter.