Brisbane City Council CEO Colin Jensen announces resignation

The chief executive of Brisbane City Council has resigned after more than 13 years in the top job.

Brisbane City Council CEO Colin Jensen has announced his resignation. Picture: Tara Croser.

A top Brisbane bureaucrat has announced his resignation just weeks after the pivotal council elections.

Long-serving Brisbane City Council chief executive Colin Jensen, in a message to staff on April 10, confirmed he had decided “now is the time to say goodbye” after more than 13 years at the helm.

Mr Jensen’s time in the top job of Australia’s largest council has included two of the worst floods in Brisbane’s history and a pandemic.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said he respected Mr Jensen’s decision to stand down after a significant tenure.

“Colin has helped guide Brisbane City Council during an incredibly exciting chapter in our city’s history,” he said.

“For the past 13 years, Colin has led hardworking council staff with distinction and dedication and will depart Brisbane City Council as Queensland’s most respected public servant.

“On behalf of Council and the city’s 1.3 million residents I extend my sincere gratitude to Colin Jensen for more than 13 years’ service to Brisbane.”

Mr Jensen was elevated to the top job in 2010, making him the second longest serving chief executive in Brisbane City Council’s history behind James Slaughter (1940-1967).

His last day will be on April 26, with long-serving BCC executive Tim Wright to act in the role while an extensive recruitment campaign is undertaken.

The top job at Brisbane City Council comes with a hefty pay packet of between $700,000 and $799,999 according to the latest financial report.

Mr Jensen, in his email to colleagues, said he had found himself “reflecting on the past and anticipating the future” in the aftermath of the end of the 2020-2024 council term.

“My enduring reflection is the quality and competence of our people. Brisbane City Council is widely known for its usually exemplary service and I am confident that we will continue to improve,” he said.

“Overwhelmingly, I am grateful for all of you who are dedicated to a better Brisbane and are committed to this magnificent city and making it even better. You do a great job – thank you!

“Looking to the decade ahead, I am sure that you will thrive and help take Brisbane front and centre onto the world stage.

“There is much to do, not all of which we can foresee at this time. I am confident that through working together and maintaining your passion for Brisbane that you will do all that is required and then some.”

Originally published as Brisbane City Council CEO Colin Jensen announces resignation