Handbrake released on city’s CEO search

THE City of Greater Geelong’s council can proceed with its search for a new chief executive officer after receiving the green light from state government-appointed municipal monitors.

The city’s recruitment of a new permanent boss has been on hold since late January when Local Government Minister Melissa Horne intervened, citing concerns relating to integrity and transparency that had compromised the process.

Ms Horne appointed Prue Digby and Peter Dorling for a 12-month term to oversee the process and general governance standards.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said last week that the council had the go-ahead to resume the CEO recruitment and appointment process.

“Today I received notification from the Victorian Local Government Minister, the Hon. Melissa Horne, that the governance direction preventing the council from employing a chief executive officer has been revoked,” mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“The council will now resume the process to appoint a CEO for the City of Greater Geelong.

“I look forward to continuing to work co-operatively with the government-appointed monitors.”

The city has been without a permanent boss since late August last year when Martin Cutter exited the role. At the time of Mr Cutter’s departure, the city said it expected recruitment to take about six months.

City of Greater Geelong director of strategy, people and performance Kaarina Phyland remains the city’s acting CEO.

Ms Horne said Ms Digby and Ms Horrne recommended to her that the council could proceed with its search for a new CEO.

“I have accepted this advice and the appointment process for the important position of council CEO will play a major role in restoring good governance to the City of Greater Geelong.

“The monitors advised that the council had implemented the necessary improvements to its processes to ensure the recruitment can progress in accordance with the Local Government Act.

“I appointed Ms Digby and Mr Dorling as municipal monitors on January 24, 2023 for a period of 12 months – they will provide advice to me and the council throughout their tenure and are required to provide a report at the end of their term.

“The monitors will continue to oversee the CEO appointment process and other governance matters under the terms of their reference.”