Dear Website readers – below is an email sent to the Minister for Local Government so that hopefully he will take some action. The new CEO contract initially was being kept in confidence (secrecy may be a more appropriate word). Documents were only released after inquiries were made by Council Watch.
We feel it demonstrates the lack of accountability and transparency of Victor Harbor Council. Please read carefully what is in the document, as it could have a profound influence on the next Council.
Dear Minister Szakacs,
Council Watch Fleurieu Inc. seeks your urgent intervention under Section 273 of the Local Government Act 1999 regarding the City of Victor Harbor Council’s decision on 24 February 2025 to extend the Chief Executive Officer’s contract until 15 January 2031.
Key Concerns
1. Extraordinary Five-Year Contract
- This contract locks in CEO leadership beyond two electoral cycles — an arrangement Council Watch believes is unprecedented in South Australia.
- Future councillors are deprived of the opportunity to review performance or adjust leadership priorities at the start of their term.
2. Conflict of Interest
- The CEO remained in the room while her contract was debated and approved.
- No resolution exists authorising her presence, despite Sections 75B and 120 requiring officers with material interests to leave.
3. Misuse of Confidentiality
- The decision was made in confidence under Section 90(2) but all documents were released from confidence on 27 April 2025.
- The original secrecy provisions appear unjustified.
4. Remuneration Tied to KPIs
- The 27 August 2025 CEO Performance Review Committee minutes confirm CEO remuneration is directly linked to the upcoming KPI process.
- Approving a five-year contract before completing the review undermines transparency and accountability.
Request for Ministerial Action
Council Watch Fleurieu Inc. respectfully requests that you:
- Investigate whether the Council’s process complied with the Local Government Act 1999.
- Review the appropriateness of locking future councils into a contract extending beyond two election cycles.
- Issue Ministerial guidance on best practice for CEO contracts, KPI reviews, and community transparency.
- Consider exercising your powers under Section 273 to appoint an independent investigator into governance practices at the City of Victor Harbor.
Terry Andrews — Chairperson
Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.
Tel : 0451 140 543
councilwatch44@gmail.com | https://councilwatchvictorharbor.com
Council Watch Victor Harbor 