The Brisbane Times has reported on leaked documents revealing concerns about the appointment of Louise Rusan as chief executive of Redland City Council.
Ms Rusan was voted into the role in early 2025, but the confidential documents show she wasn’t shortlisted by the recruiter hired to fill the position.
The recruitment process was already troubled after the first recruiter quit, raising concerns about staff who would report to the CEO sitting on the selection panel. The second recruiter provided a shortlist that didn’t include Rusan.
But after a closed-door meeting between councillors, Rusan was brought in to present alongside the shortlisted candidates.
The article claims Councillor Wendy Boglary raised alarms about potential political influence and procedural breaches.
When the vote came, it wasn’t unanimous. One councillor tried to abstain over “governance concerns,” and Mayor Jos Mitchell appeared exasperated but voted in favour.
The council maintains all appropriate processes were followed.