Councillors conducting private chamber meeting for unknown reason

Townsville City Councillors have walked into a special council meeting this morning to discuss a “human resource matter”. Here’s what we know so far.

Mayor Troy Thompson (left), and director Matt Richardson and Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney (right) arriving at a special council meeting to discuss a “human resource matter” on Friday. Picture: Chris Burns

Townsville City Councillors walked into a special council meeting to discuss a “human resource matter” on Friday morning.

Councillors were tight-lipped about the confidential item that was up for discussion before and after their meeting, although Mayor Troy Thompson said afterwards it was about “employment issues”.

“Not a lot to say because the meeting was adjourned,” Mr Thompson said.

Deputy Mayor Paul Jacob was considering a statement at the meeting, but afterwards said “I’m not at liberty to discuss this at this point in time.”

When asked if he could comment, Kristian Price said “not really, not at the moment...it didn’t go ahead.”

Councillor Kristian Price arriving at a special council meeting to discuss a “human resource matter” on Friday. Picture: Chris Burns

However, interim chief exececutive Joe McCabe was absent from the meeting, and his chair was filled by Infrastructure and Operations director Matt Richardson.

As had happened when councillors discussed the filling of the interim-CEO role months before in confidence, key executives such as Mr Richardson left the room during private discussions lasting 15 minutes.

The meeting started 10 minutes behind schedule, and Mayor Troy Thompson led the meeting through formalities such as acknowledgement of Country.

Councillors Suzy Batkovic was absent and Kurt Rehbein was away on council business.

There are numerous things the council could be discussing in the aftermath of the adoption of its controversial budget which has involved a parking meter expansion, as well as the return of embattled Mayor Troy Thompson who was on mental health leave while an investigation is being conducted against him.

But the council is also under the leadership of interim chief executive Joe McCabe, who took the reigns in early May while a consultancy seeks a replacement for former CEO Prins Ralston, who resigned two days after the new council was sworn in.

Mr McCabe’s position was expected to be held for between three to six months.

A Townsville City Council spokesman was sought for detail of the special council meeting as well as for further information on the recruitment of its permanent chief executive position.

“Council will be holding a Special Council meeting tomorrow (Friday) in which the Human Resource Matter to be discussed is confidential as is usually the case with these matters,” the spokesman said.

*The article previously said that the special meeting was scheduled five days before the next ordinary meeting, but this was incorrect as it did not take into account that there are five Wednesdays this month.

The next ordinary meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7.

Originally published as Councillors conducting private chamber meeting for unknown reason