The Tasmanian Government notes the Auditor-General’s report on Council General Manager recruitment, appointment, and performance assessment.
The appointment of a General Manager is one of the most important recruitment decisions a Council makes.
The report draws attention to various shortcomings in the recruitment and performance management processes adopted by some councils in Tasmania.
I expect it will lead to clear performance improvements on the part of councils.
As an independent sphere of Government, it is a matter for each Council to ensure the recruitment process for the role of their General Manager is fair and merit-based.
As Minister for Local Government and Planning, I have no official role to play in the recruitment of a Council’s General Manager.
However, having become aware of the matter, I sought advice from the Director of Local Government on what options are available to me as Minister.
Upon consideration of the advice received, I have requested the Director of Local Government to commence the preparation of a Ministerial Order under the Local Government Act 1993. This will be the first time a Ministerial Order has been issued under section 61A of the Act and will clarify the standards to be applied to future general manager recruitment in Tasmania.
The Ministerial Order that is being prepared will be informed by the findings of the Auditor-General.