Four years after bringing a “wealth of knowledge” to a Council that promised to support him, CEO Dave Burges was unceremoniously sacked in what The Courier-Mail called a “sensational” move by Council last week. His remaining supporters, Crs Ross Bartley and Russell Wantling voted against the motion to remove Mr Burges (pictured) immediately from office.
The dismissal got an instant reaction from the community, with one councillor who celebated the removal of Mr Burges posting their pride, shortly before removing the post, and former shire mayor Cr Ron Bellingham and former councillor Andrew Gale notable in savaging the move. The Stanthorpe native and resident was hired by the previous Mayor, Vic Pennisi, and worked closely with him over the past four years. In the many meetings with this journalist, Mr Burges was responsive, professional, unflappable and, occasionally, quite funny.
However, with new mayors, new CEOs often follow.
Despite there being no motion on the agenda for the last regular meeting of Council held last Wednesday, the Mayor introduced a motion to dismiss the CEO after a confidential interval towards the end of the meeting. Cr Harslett seconded the motion.
The CEO was not in chambers during the vote and is currently taking his long service leave.
Cr Bartley was quick to stand up for Mr Burges, pointing out that he has worked with five previous CEOs and found Mr Burges to be the most professional he's "ever worked with”.
“So, it’s disappointing to me that our CEO has been terminated but it seems to be the life of local government,” Cr Bartley said adding that he hopes that Mr Burges remains a resident of Stanthorpe.
Cr Wantling agreed.
Cr Joel Richters then thanked the CEO for his assistance with the new council as they learned the ropes as public servants, many for the first time.
The Journal reached out to Mr Burges for comment with no response. Steve Johnston is currently acting CEO and will continue in the position during the recruitment process.
In accordance with the Local Government Act and privacy regulations, Council officers state they are unable to comment further on personal information or employment details of Mr Burges.
The previous CEO to the Southern Downs, David Keenan, has had an interesting journey since being nudged out of office. He joined the Mt Isa Council as CEO but resigned abruptly after the mayor raised allegations of bullying and harassment. Mr Keenan then joined the Scenic Rim Council and mysteriously disappeared with no explanation for two months. He has since, just as mysteriously, returned to work. The meeting closed at 1:31pm on a fairly sombre chamber. More details to follow.
