Media release – Mayor Peter Freshney, Latrobe Council, 15 April 2024
GENERAL MANAGER RECRUITMENT CLAIMS
Council is currently in the final phase of the recruitment process to engage a replacement for long serving General Manager Gerald Monson. In doing so, Council and its recruitment sub-committee have adhered to the “Draft Best Practice Guide for Recruitment and Performance Management of General Managers” as circulated by the Local Government Association of Tasmania. That document was informed by and is reflective of the recommendations of the State Audit office following their enquiry into the recruitment and performance management of General Managers in the local government sector more broadly.
Mayor Peter Freshney said, “for the record, there was no closed session of Council on 4th April 2024 as reported in yesterday’s Advocate. Further, I categorically refute all allegations and specifically claims that I, as Mayor, instructed councillors that they must not conduct reference checks, that all notes be destroyed and that I threatened councillors with the possibility of being sent to prison if any information relating to the appointment of the person was revealed. Those claims are a complete fabrication and misrepresentation of the truth.”
Council advises that it will not be entering into further engagement on this matter as the recruitment process is yet to be finalised and council is cognisant that potential legal proceedings may be compromised given what appears to be the unprecedented release of confidential information and the personal and professional implications for those involved.
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