Hobsons Bay council has moved to reassure residents that its core services won’t be affected while its chief executive is suspended pending a WorkSafe investigation.
At an unscheduled Saturday meeting late last month, councillors voted to suspend Hobsons Bay chief executive Aaron Van Egmond after WorkSafe Victoria launched an investigation into safety issues at the council.
On Thursday, acting chief executive Rachel Sarah Lunn announced that measures had been taken to ensure that council services and good governance continued while the investigation into Mr Van Egmond took place.
Former Queencliffe borough chief executive Lenny Jenner has been appointed acting manager of corporate integrity and external local government expert Ingrid Bishop will take on the role of acting director of corporate services.
Matthew Irving continues as director of infrastructure and city services, while other internal officers have stepped into temporary roles, including Steven Sagona as the acting director of sustainable communities.
Ms Sarah Lunn thanked the Hobsons Bay community for their patience and consideration during the investigation process.
“We want to assure the community that council staff remain committed to delivering important services for our community such as city cleaning and waste collection, development control, local laws, and customer and community services,” the acting chief executive said.
Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander said council had confidence in its acting executive team and staff members to deliver services and good governance while the matter is resolved.
She urged others with workplace safety concerns at the council to come forward.
“Councillors acknowledge that people are currently raising questions and concerns, and we ask that these are raised directly with council or the appropriate integrity agency,” Cr Kellander said.
“Councillors cannot play a role in operational council staff matters.”
As well as cooperating with investigations by WorkSafe and the Local Government Inspectorate, Hobsons Bay council has already commenced its own investigation and is encouraging all current and former staff members wishing to raise concerns, to do so via: hobsonsbay@maddocks.com.au.
The first ordinary council meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, February 25.
