*Update, 4pm
Shoalhaven City Council has made a statement to the media, confirming its understanding that a complaint had been received by the Office of Local Government “regarding the recruitment process of the CEO”.
A spokesperson said the Council welcomes any review by the Office of Local Government into this robust recruitment process.”
Earlier:
NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has reportedly asked the Office of Local Government to look into the appointment of former MP Andrew Constance as CEO of Shoalhaven City Council.
Multiple media outlets are reporting that the minister has launched a “preliminary investigation” into the manner of the appointment.
The appointment of Mr Constance was announced this week by Mayor Patricia White, and quickly drew the condemnation of Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, who said it smacked of “political bastardry.”
Her concerns are reportedly shared by state Member for South Coast for Liza Butler.
Some Shoalhaven councillors are now calling the process into question. Cr Ben Krikstolaitis said the entire process was “flawed from the start”. He said the goalposts kept shifting, and that he believes it to be a political appointment and not based on merit.
Another councillor, Bob Proudfoot, told the ABC he has concerns about conflicts of interest, and that the appointment should be re-examined.