The general manager of a regional council has been sensationally dismissed during a meeting that was live streamed.
CEO Dave Burges’ contract was terminated at the Southern Downs Regional Council ordinary meeting on Wednesday.
The Southern Downs Council is a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, in the south-west of the state.
Mr Burges had been CEO for more than four years since mid-2020 and was believed to be on long-term sick leave at the time.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton introduced the motion as the last agenda item.
“I am going to move a motion that council terminate the employment of the chief executive officers in accordance with clause 18.1E of the council and officer employment contract entered into on June 19, 2023, effective immediately. Do I have a second to that motion?” Mayor Hamilton said.
After the motion was seconded, Councillor Ross Bartley stood up and spoke against the motion, while praising the outgoing CEO.
“I would like to say that in the 20-plus years I have worked in local government, I have worked with five full-time CEOs and as many interim CEOs. During that time, I found the previous CEO to be one of the most professional and efficient CEOs I have ever worked with,” he said.
CEO Dave Burges (pictured) was sacked by Southern Downs Regional Council during its regular council meeting on Wednesday
Mayor Melissa Hamilton introduced the motion as the last agenda item (meeting pictured)
‘It is therefore disappointing for me that our CEO has been fired, but that is how it goes in local government.’
Councillor Russell Wantling also spoke out against the motion.
“I want to be against it too,” he told the group.
‘I recently had an employee come to me and say that council members come and go and mayors too. And they said they were so happy to finally be working with a good CEO.’
Another councillor began to pay tribute to Mr Burges, before being interrupted by Mayor Hamilton who said: ‘We did not put the motion…’
But they continued: ‘If the motion is passed, I would like to say that I am grateful for the time David has spent with us, the new councillors, this term and I wish him all the best for the future.’
Angry residents criticised the move on the council’s Facebook page, with former councillor Andrew Gale writing that he was ‘shocked’.
“I am utterly shocked and appalled by the councillors who voted today to fire the best CEO to have worked with the council in recent years,” one wrote.
‘Very disappointing result. Councillor Wantling and Bartly deserve praise for their vote against the motion.’
“Shame, shame, shame. Fire this guy when he’s on vacation for the first time in four years and he’s not even there to defend himself,” wrote a second.
“Why is the CEO being fired? The public needs to know,” said a third.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton (pictured) paid tribute to Mr Burges and wished him well for the future
“Southern Downs Regional Council announced at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday 18 September 2024 that it will pursue new leadership opportunities following the termination of Chief Executive Officer Dave Burges’ employment contract, effective immediately,” the council said in a statement.
‘The termination has been arranged in accordance with the terms of the contract as agreed by the previous Council.’
Steve Jackson will serve as CEO of the Board during the recruitment process.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Burges for comment.
