Recycled CEO

By ALENA HIGGINS

IN JUST six days, Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) will welcome its new CEO.
But David Keenan’s exit from his last local government job as general manager of Tweed Shire Council, has an eerily similar narrative to that of his SDRC predecessor, Andrew Roach.
Like Mr Roach, who was dismissed from the top job at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in February 2011 after an investigation was launched into several complaints, Mr Keenan was also sacked.
On 7 November 2013, local media reported that confidential documents obtained through Freedom of Information showed that then mayor, Barry Longland, and majority of councillors ousted Mr Keenan as they believed he had been disloyal for co-operating with independent investigations into council.
At the time, the axing of Mr Keenan, less than a year into the job, sparked uproar, with several hundred residents turning out to protest meetings.
But while Mr Roach subsequently won an unfair dismissal case, a review by NSW Division of Local Government representatives of the factors that led to Mr Keenan’s termination found he was sacked on legitimate grounds.
It raises the question – is the candidate pool so low that SDRC must revert to applicants with a controversial past?
SDRC mayor Peter Blundell sidestepped that question, but did confirm council was aware of the circumstances surrounding Mr Keenan’s dismissal prior to his appointment.
“Mr Keenan disclosed these matters to the recruitment consultant who was conducting the process for us, and was more than happy to discuss these matters during his interview,” Cr Blundell said.
“The matter was thoroughly investigated, and we were reassured that Mr Keenan was unjustly and unfairly treated.”
Former mayor and current councillor Barry Longland said he was “surprised” when he “saw the appointment”.
“I have to acknowledge that the Southern Downs council makes its own appointments without reference to other councils,” Cr Longland said.
“I wish him well.”
Tweed Shire councillor Warren Polglase, who disagreed with the way Mr Keenan was sacked at the time, said the new recruit would be an “asset” to the Southern Downs.
“Of course he will (work in best interests of council),” Cr Polglase said.
“I had no problems with his ability.
“There was a process which was used to get him dismissed.”