Hobsons Bay council chief executive Aaron van Egmond has been suspended from the role effective immediately.
The decision to suspend Mr van Egmond was made at an unscheduled council meeting on January 25, after concerns were raised about workplace safety issues at the council.
“Councillors became aware of concerns about safety in the workplace and the CEO’s fulfilment of his duties more broadly,” Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander said in a statement.
“Councillors take these matters very seriously and have made this decision following thorough and careful consideration, pending further investigations. Given the sensitivity of these matters for all concerned, council can make no further comment at this time.”
Late last year the Australian Services Union (ASU) announced they had received numerous complaints from their members at Hobsons Bay council about the behaviour of certain managers and the toll this took on their health and safety.
The ASU’s statement did not name Mr van Egmond or any other manager, but said the union had raised the concerns of their members with council and that WorkSafe Victoria was investigating.
“To reach the best and safest outcome for workers at Hobsons Bay, we are encouraging members to come forward and contribute to WorkSafe’s investigation,” said ASU organiser Sean McCourt in the statement released on December 20.
“We understand that ASU members are scared and reluctant to make formal complaints. However, we can assure you that WorkSafe is closely watching Hobsons Bay (as is the ASU).”
Mr van Egmond was appointed Hobsons Bay chief executive in 2018 after serving six years in the same role with Hepburn shire.
Prior to his time at Hepburn, Mr van Egmond spent nine years as development services director at Towong council.
Hobsons Bay council’s sustainable communities director Rachel Lunn has been appointed acting chief executive while Mr Van Egmond is suspended.
