Cade Lucas
Hobsons Bay council chief executive Aaron van Egmond has resigned.
In a brief statement released on Tuesday afternoon 1 April, the council announced that Mr van Egmond had resigned effective immediately, to move interstate for family reasons.
Mr van Egmond had been suspended from his role as chief executive while workplace safety issues at the council were being investigated.
Councillors voted to suspend Mr van Egmond and director of corporate services Andrew McLeod at an unscheduled council meeting on Saturday, January 25.
“Councillors became aware of concerns about safety in the workplace and the CEO’s fulfilment of his duties more broadly,” said Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander after the meeting.
“Councillors take these matters very seriously and have made this decision following thorough and careful consideration, pending further investigations.”
The council’s internal investigation into the matter is continuing while WorkSafe Victoria has also made inquiries.
Hobsons Bay council did not make any further comments about Mr van Egmond’s resignation other than to acknowledge his service.
A spokesperson for WorkSafe Victoria said its inquiries into workplace safety concerns at the council were ongoing.
“WorkSafe is monitoring the workplace to ensure occupational health and safety obligations are being met,” the spokesperson said.
The Australian Services Union represents employees at Hobsons Bay council and branch secretary Tash Wark said Mr van Egmond’s resignation was good news.
“ASU members welcome the news that he won’t be returning, and are actively participating in investigations regarding his alleged behaviour,” Ms Wark said.
Both Mr van Egmond and Mr McLeod have already been replaced by temporary executives, with former chief executive of Maribyrnong and Wyndham councils and the Municipal Association of Victoria, Kerry Thompson, appointed acting chief executive and Ingrid Bishop the acting director of corporate services.
Mr Van Egmond’s resignation brings to an end to almost eight years as chief executive of Hobsons Bay council.
He was appointed to the role in June 2018 after serving six years as Hepburn Shire chief executive.
Mr van Egmond did not respond to requests for comment.
