Opposition Leader calls for accountability as Cairns Regional Council CEO chooses to leave conflict of interest questions unanswered
The Cairns mayor’s media walkout has drawn the attention of Queensland’s Opposition Leader, declaring local government representatives must be held to account across the state.
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The Cairns mayor’s media walkout has drawn the attention of Queensland’s Opposition Leader, declaring local government representatives must be held to account across the state.
Mayor Amy Eden abruptly exited a press conference on Wednesday where she talked down her own council’s budget, then left rather than answer a question related to longstanding conflict of interest concerns.
Ms Eden has been under fire for months over the potential appointment of her campaign advisor, John Andrejic, as Cairns Regional Council’s chief executive.
After reaching a “mutual agreement” for former CEO Mica Martin to leave in April, the Mayor chaired a recruitment panel which recommended Mr Andrejic get the top job, despite multiple objections from councillors and significant community backlash.
Since Mr Andrejic was named to the key civic post late last month, it’s understood that information has been passed onto the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) with the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) now also aware of the matter.
In a statement, Ms Eden said she was not “aware” of any investigation currently.
After being asked if she had been contacted by the CCC, Ms Eden was whisked away from reporters with the Mayor engaging in an impromptu photoshoot for a community newspaper, sporting her ‘I LOVE CAIRNS’ t-shirt.
During his visit to Far North Queensland on Thursday, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said engaging with the media was an important part of being in local government.
“I’m always available for questions. That’s important,” the former Local Government Minister said.
“You’ll always have individuals and incidents that local communities are concerned about and that’s completely justifiable.
“I do believe in the role of local government and the ability for local people to make decisions and be held accountable to their communities.”
‘BASELESS AND RIDICULOUS’
Following Ms Eden’s exit, Mr Andrejic said questions could be submitted to the council’s media team for response.
The CEO failed to answer half the questions submitted to him but critically, denied directing councillors and the mayor to the organisation’s Director of People and Organisational Performance to help negotiate former chief executive Mica Martin’s departure at a meeting in March.
“No,” Mr Andrejic said. “This is a baseless and ridiculous allegation.”
The claim contradicts Division One councillor Brett Moller’s account of events, as he outlined at a council meeting in May.
“At that meeting, former CEO Mica Martin’s role was discussed with Mayor Eden, Cr Olds and Cr Zeiger seeking John’s advice around the recruitment process for a new CEO,” Mr Moller said.
“Reportedly, John’s advice was to review Ms Martin’s contract and to seek the advice of the Director of People and Organisational Performance (Christine Posgate).
“That advice was subsequently acted on.”
Three questions sent to the CEO relating to how he got the job were left unanswered.
Premier Steven Miles said he wasn’t aware of the incident.
“I’m not across the details of a press conference or that investigation,” Mr Miles said.
“I do know that oftentimes, the CCC will be investigating people when they don’t even know.”
Three questions Cairns Regional Council’s interim CEO John Andrejic declined to answer after requesting that media inquiries be sent to him via email.
Did you direct councillors and the mayor to CRC’s Director of People and Organisational Performance Christine Posgate to help negotiate former chief executive Mica Martin’s departure from Cairns Regional Council?
No. This is a baseless and ridiculous allegation.
Have you been contacted by the CCC?
No.
Were you friends with Amy Eden prior to becoming Cairns Regional Council’s interim CEO?
My involvement with Mayor Eden’s election campaign is on the public record.
Do you think the mayor has a conflict of interest given she is chairing the panel that will oversee your potential appointment as permanent CEO?
(No response)
Do you think there is a conflict of interest given you served as her strategic advisor during her mayoral campaign?
(No response)
Why didn’t you declare a conflict of interest prior to being interviewed for the interim CEO position at Cairns Regional Council?
(No response)
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