Yes we Ken: Cairns councillors rubber stamp new CEO’s position following attacks from Mayor Amy Eden
Emboldened Cairns councillors have shown their might, executing the latest stage of their plan to restore stability to the city following Mayor Amy Eden’s latest scandal.
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Emboldened Cairns councillors have shown their might, executing the latest stage of a plan to restore stability to the city following Mayor Amy Eden’s latest scandal.
Ms Eden’s attacks on her chief executive, Ken Gouldthorp, raised concerns of “dysfunction” within Cairns Regional Council amongst community leaders, including Member for Cairns Michael Healy.
But a motion to formally endorse Mr Gouldthorp as Cairns Regional Council’s chief executive at Wednesday’s ordinary meeting has ended months of controversy over the position.
After withstanding a series of unsubstantiated criticisms from the mayor over his performance in the job, Mr Gouldthorp prevailed on Wednesday with councillors unanimously voting him in as the council’s top boss.
The act all but scuppers any plans Ms Eden may have to reappoint her former campaign advisor, John Andrejic to the key civic post, ending a 295-day saga that started with former chief executive Mica Martin’s departure last April.
Mr Andrejic missed out on the role after serving as interim CEO last year.
The councillors further doubled down by recommending Mr Gouldthorp as their preferred candidate to serve as a director on peak lobby group Advance Cairns’ board.
Ms Eden did not seek the council’s nomination.
“The Advance Cairns constitution … does not permit elected officials to sit on its board and we, as a council, are platinum members and entitled to a board position,” Division One councillor Brett Moller said.
“I don’t think the council would be presumptuous enough to expect any amendment to Advance Cairns’ constitution.”
The council’s top executive was the ideal candidate for the role, Mr Moller said.
“I believe that Mr Gouldthorp brings a wealth of experience,” he said.
“He’s strong on governance … and I believe he will be a strong representative for the city and the council on our board.
“As CEO should there be a matter that he believes he needs to bring back to council, he is one removed from the decision making and I believe that the Advance Cairns board will understand that.
“There are a number of other CEOs on the board, including Mr Andrew Graffen, who is CEO of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.”
Earlier this week, Local Government Minister Ann Leahy acknowledged that she was aware of reported unrest within the council and would “monitor its delivery of services to its communities”.
Ms Eden has refused to apologise to Mr Gouldthorp.
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Originally published as Yes we Ken: Cairns councillors rubber stamp new CEO’s position following attacks from Mayor Amy Eden
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