Overview

• Shoalhaven City Council appointed former transport minister and ex-Bega MP Andrew Constance to a five-year chief executive role starting next week.
• Mayor Patricia White praised his regional experience and leadership, framing the hire as the outcome of a rigorous selection led by council with Stephen Blackadder Consulting.
• Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips condemned the move as partisan patronage and said she will write to NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig to raise concerns.
• Phillips highlighted Constance’s lack of local government employment experience and pointed to a salary described as about $400,000, with 2021 OLG data listing the role at $383,952.
• The recruitment adviser has been mentioned in the Office of Local Government’s inquiry into Liverpool City Council, adding further attention to the process.