Andrew Constance has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Shoalhaven City Council.
The former member for Bega has held several senior ministerial portfolios in NSW, including finance, transport and roads and as Treasurer, but does not have a background in local government.
Mayor Patricia White said he will bring a deep understanding of regional issues, infrastructure and community engagement to the role.
Not everyone is impressed with the appointment however. Federal MP Fiona Phillips has criticised the appointment as “jobs for Liberal mates” and told the Daily Telegraph she would be raising the matter with the local government minister.
Ms Phillips narrowly defeated Mr Constance in the 2022 election for the seat of Gilmore before retaining the seat more comfortably this year.
Mr Constance commences at Shoalhaven next week, taking over from interim CEO Brian Barrett who has served in the position for two months.