Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton tells all after former chief executive Dave Burges had contract terminated

A regional Queensland councillor has weighed in as the fallout continues over the sensational termination of the council’s chief executive over a live streamed meeting. Here’s what she said.

Former Southern Downs Regional Council chief executive Dave Burges and mayor Melissa Hamilton.

A regional Queensland councillor has weighed in after the council sensationally terminated their chief executive over a live-streamed meeting.

Southern Downs Regional Council announced the contract of their chief executive Dave Burges was terminated “effective immediately” with the announcement broadcast during the council’s September 18 Ordinary Meeting.

The meeting was live streamed on Facebook.

Councillor Morwenna Harslett has responded to the former chief executive’s interview via a post on social media last week.

Southern Downs councillor Morwenna Harslett said she’s keen to move past the CEO termination saga. Photo: SDRC

Ms Harslett told this publication that it was “time that we moved on from this issue and let the council get on with the business we were elected to do”.

“What happened has happened with good reason, but we need to move on and focus on the things that are important for our region to move forward,” Ms Harslett said.

Ms Harslett said the termination of Mr Burges’ contract was “normal” procedure in local council.

“It happens all the time, it happened with the previous council and it’s not really unusual for us here,” she said.

Ms Harslett also said she did not suggest any wrongdoing by Mr Burges.

“We’re in the process of finding a new CEO and it’s looking promising, here’s hoping we get someone amazing and can put this all behind us, and look forward to the next three years of getting on with business.”

EARLIER

Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton spoke plainly when the news broke in September, saying the move was made with “the best interest of ratepayers in mind”.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (Photo: Michael Hudson)

It is understood Mr Burges was on leave at this time and that it’s common for a change in chief executives after local government elections.

Steve Johnson was announced as the acting chief executive for Southern Downs Regional Council.

In a statement to Warwick Daily News, Ms Hamilton said she can give the community “the transparency it has wanted” in the wake of Mr Burges speaking out to another Southern Downs news outlet.

“Discussions were held with Mr Burges prior to his departing Australia, and he knew before leaving that his contract with council was at an end,” Ms Hamilton said.

“The only question was whether or not his termination would be accompanied by a deed of settlement.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (Photo: Michael Hudson)

“To agree to a deed of settlement, the usual approach in these cases, Mr Burges demanded that his contractual payment on termination be increased by 50 per cent.

“Councillors believed that this additional payment could not be justified as there was no legal requirement to pay this money, it lacked transparency and it would be an inappropriate use of ratepayers’ money.

“I, along with my fellow councillors, could not in good conscience use ratepayer money in this way. We made the decision that we believed was in the best interests of ratepayers.”

Former Southern Downs Regional Council chief executive Dave Burges

Speaking with Warwick Today, Mr Burges said the way he was terminated was “disgusting” and claimed the council engaged in “gutter politics”.

“It’s common practice after an election for CEOs to depart, I get that … but the way it was done was disgusting in my view,” he said.

Mr Burges said the move was “underhanded” and “demeaning” and damaged the council’s reputation.

With an “impeccable” record as chief executive, Mr Burges told Warwick Today Ms Hamilton wanted “no trace of the former mayor or former council”.

“I’ve never knowingly broken any rules or contravened any policies and certainly hold my integrity (or) value it extremely highly,” he told Warwick Today.

Ms Hamilton confirmed on Wednesday the search for a new chief executive was looking “incredibly positive” with a number of applicants being interviewed at the moment.

The mayor said the council was hoping to appoint the new chief executive in January 2025.

Originally published as Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton tells all after former chief executive Dave Burges had contract terminated