Wilson: ‘General Manager Recruitment Process at HVC Flawed, Possibly Corrupt’

Media release – Mike Wilson, 3 February 2022

untitled

Former Acting Mayor and Councillor Mr Mike Wilson today announced his ongoing concerns with the poor leadership and governance of the Huon Valley Council.

Wilson said, “in my view the General Manager Recruitment process adopted by Council was more than just flawed and unfair, it was quite possibly corrupted.”

Following his removal from Council in June 2021 he was contacted by a councillor from the GM Recruitment Panel in early July 2021.

The Councillor advised Wilson of three the names who were in the final short list of General Manager applicants.

Wilson said, “I stated to the Councillor at the time this was inappropriate information to be discussed with me, that it was confidential council information, and that I was no longer a Councillor.”

The Councillor told Wilson that they were going to appoint Jason Browne as the General Manager.

“I was surprised as the recruitment process was still underway,” said Wilson.

Wilson said he was waiting to hear from the Director of Local Government who he understood has been investigating the leaking of the General Manager applicant names since July 2021 when the Director was formerly requested to undertake and investigation.

“The Mayor is responsible for leading the recruitment process and based on the information provided it appears the Mayor and possibly others had already confirmed their positions to appoint Jason Browne as General Manger in early July 2021,” said Wilson.

“According to the Auditor General’s report Table 3 page 37 the recruitment Consultant Red Giant provided the candidate report which shortlisted 14 applicants from the 85 applicants on the 4 July 2021.

“So how could a decision already have been made as stated by the councillor?” said Wilson.

Wilson said he was more than pleased to talk to the Director of Local Government if he wished to discuss the matter with him.

“The people of the Huon Valley deserve much better than this and he encourages those non-conflicted councillors in this process to carry out their own private investigation into the leaking of candidate names.

“It is important the Mayor be held to account for this debacle and not just be provided with ratepayer funded training. The Community placed good great faith in the Mayor at election time and expected her to do the right thing.”

Wilson said it is crucial to ensure proper processes are put in place and those who have acted inappropriately are held to account.