SDRC chief executive Dave Burges sacked during ordinary meeting while on leave

A former councillor has said he was ‘appalled’ after the chief executive of a regional Queensland council was sacked during a live streamed meeting.

Southern Downs Regional Council chief executive Dave Burges (Photo: Warwick Daily News/ File)

A regional Queensland council’s top boss has had his contract sensationally terminated while on a live streamed meeting.

Southern Down Regional Council sacked chief executive Dave Bruges “effectively immediately” with the news broadcast during the council’s September 18 Ordinary Meeting.

In a press release, a spokesperson for Southern Downs Regional Council said the council would “be pursuing new leadership opportunities as it moves to terminate the employment contract of Chief Executive Officer Dave Burges, effectively immediately.”

“The termination was administered in accordance with the contract terms, as agreed by the previous council,” the spokesperson said.

It is understood Mr Burges on long service leave, with Steve Johnston as acting chief executive who will continue in the position during the recruitment process.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton thanked Mr Burges for his valuable contribution to the community over the past four years and wished him well in the future.

“I would like thank Dave for his service to the organisation and the Southern Downs community for the past four years,” Ms Hamilton said in a press release.

“I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with councillors and staff towards the future of our region.”

Council said it is not in a situation at present to comment further, abiding by local government guidelines.

Former councillor Andrew Gale took to Facebook to say he was “appalled” by the matter.

During the meeting livestream, comments were turned off by council, with the former councillor asking “whatever the hell happened to being open and accountable?”

“Have we ever seen this level of censorship ever? Did anyone even see a comment on the live stream comments today that were disrespectful or even needed moderating,” Mr Gale asked.

An anonymous commenter wrote labelled the “public sacking of the CEO as “disgusting.”

“Good grief, what next?” Melinda Gale said.

Updates to come.

Originally published as SDRC chief executive Dave Burges sacked during ordinary meeting while on leave