Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Alec Sandner said a report in the Bendigo Weekly is wrong and the Council has not formally discussed CEO Craig Niemann’s contract at this stage.
Cr Sandner said the Local Government Act 1989 has specific requirements relating to the appointment of Victorian Local Government CEO’s that all Council’s must follow.
“The suggestion by Cr Ruffell that Council is considering an interim contract extension is clearly wrong. A contract extension is not an option under the Local Government Act or under the CEO’s current contract. There must be a new contract negotiated.
“The CEO’s contract will expire on December 18. In his current contract it is clearly written that if he seeks reappointment to the position he must be told whether or not he has been successful no later than three months prior to the contract’s expiry date.
“Therefore he must be told no later than September 18, 2012 if he has been successful. This date clearly falls within this current Council’s term,” said Cr Sandner.
He said it is the responsibility of all Councillors to check the facts before they talk to the media.
“It’s about respect. As Councillors we expect to be treated by staff with respect. This is a two way street. Our staff, with who we work so closely with and on who we rely, are entitled to be treated with respect in return.
“I’ve spoken to a number of Councillors today and the vast majority are shocked and disappointed with the report in the Weekly,” said Cr Sandner.