By Jeremy Cook
Southern Downs Regional Council has issued a statement confirming its now-former chief executive Dave Burges was on long service leave at the time of his sacking on Wednesday.
All but two councillors had voted to terminate Mr Burges’ employment effective immediately at Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting.
In a statement to media on Thursday morning, the council confirmed Mr Burges had been away on long service leave when his employment was terminated.
Ex-Bundaberg Regional Council chief executive Steve Johnston, who has been serving as the council’s acting CEO in the meantime, will continue in the position during the recruitment process, according to the statement. There has yet been no indication as to whether Mr Johnston will continue permanently.
“The termination was administered in accordance with the contract terms, as agreed by the previous council,” a statement from the council read.
“In accordance with the Local Government Act and privacy regulations, council is not in a position to comment further on personal information or employment details of any council employees including the Chief Executive Officer.”
Born and raised in Stanthorpe, Mr Burges spent four years as the council’s CEO after his appointment in mid-2020. His hiring followed the departure of controversial former CEO David Keenan.
In a statement, Southern Downs 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 [to] thank Dave for his service to the organisation and the Southern Downs community for the past four years,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with councillors and staff towards the future of our region.”
A motion to terminate Mr Burges’ employment was not listed on Wednesday’s meeting agenda before it was suddenly brought before councillors.
The meeting had earlier been closed to the public for about one hour for councillors to consider the new Southern Downs Planning Scheme before it reopened and a motion to sack the CEO was moved by the mayor. No explanation was given for his sacking.
In August, councillors had decided to delay a vote of confidence in Mr Burges’ tenure until December. That vote had been moved by Councillor Ross Bartley who, alongside Councillor Russell Wantling, voted against Mr Burges’ sacking on Wednesday.
