More fun and games are in the offing with the creation of a Special Committee to consider whether or not to reappoint Andrew Newton. An alert reader notified us of this fact via an advertisement placed in today’s (Monday) Business Age. Questions thus abound:
- Why a Special Committee? Does this mean that we will have another C60 fiasco where not all councillors will be included on this committee?
- Special Committees must have agendas, minutes, and notification to the public. There’s nothing up on the council website – yet there’s been time to place an ad in The Age where the chances of anyone finding it are practically zilch!
- Will the committee work behind closed doors and ‘confidentiality’ to avoid publishing minutes, etc?
- Will Lipshutz, Hyams or Esakoff chair this committee?
- What are the terms of reference? This must be made public.
- And don’t you love the title!
Glen Eira Debates 
September 26, 2011 at 6:17 PM
These bastards are masters at perverting the intent of the law. Wonder if Frank is included in this special committee or Pilling since the latter is on public record as wanting to advertise the position. If Frank’s a bully and Pilling has already made up his mind then you betcha that conflict of interest is being used here to get the numbers. The real unknown is Lobo. Now there’s sure to be some wheeling and dealing. Could Lobo even get a special invitation to come to Newton’s office?
September 26, 2011 at 6:22 PM
You win the prize.
September 26, 2011 at 6:19 PM
If the reason for the Special Committee is the same as the last one then the game plan is pretty clear. Not much more can be said, really.
September 26, 2011 at 6:35 PM
It’s incredible that a special committee can be formed out of the public eye because that’s what must have happened. There’s been nothing in open council meetings so this has all been concocted in secret. What a fantastic council this is.
September 26, 2011 at 7:34 PM
We’ve had a close look at last week’s in camera items and the only one that would vaguely be linked with the creation of the Special Committee is:
“12.6 under s 89 (2) (a) “personnel”, (d) “contractual”, (f) “legal advice” and (h) “may prejudice the Council or any person” which relates to Occupational Health And Safety.”
Here are a few guesses –
1. Since ‘contractual’ is linked with OH & S, we suspect that this refers to the Penhalluriack bullying allegations, The ‘legal advice’ may refer to Newton’s contract as well as the O’Neill investigation
2. ‘personnel’ probably means Newton, as does ‘contractual’.
We therefore surmise that this special committee was concocted last meeting and does not include Penhalluriack – and possibly others.
September 26, 2011 at 7:40 PM
Hey Frank, here’s a suggestion for ya. Sit in the gallery and make the bastards chuck you out. That way at least the whole world will know what kind of conniving rats work in the place
September 26, 2011 at 7:25 PM
Here’s just more evidence that every single time Newton comes into the picture there is secrecy and intrigue. We never have anything clean and out in the open when he’s concerned.
September 26, 2011 at 10:20 PM
The councillors have to play this one 100% right no slip-ups, otherwise Newton with sue us all.
September 27, 2011 at 8:45 AM
100% spot on.
September 27, 2011 at 9:24 AM
The announcement for the special committee meeting has finally made it onto Council’s website. You won’t find it easily however. As per normal it is hidden away in the link which says “Public Notices”. What’s wrong with a direct link from the home page where residents can easily find it?
September 27, 2011 at 11:48 PM
May we remind all councillors who represenall ratepayers that this man NEWTON is supposed to have had our interests at heart ove rthe last twelve years and though he has tried very hard to do a very good job, nonetheless he was appointed on a contractual basis for reasons of flexibility for all parties and it is now time that the position be advertised and we at least be given the opportunity to see if there may be another potential CEO at a cheaper price.
Maybe we could avoud paying this third of a million salary plus package for someone a little less greedy and pleased to be a more willing slave for all ratepayers and councillors rather than the other way round.
September 28, 2011 at 8:35 AM
If the job is advertised the incumbent may well apply. He would have an advantage over other applicants with his knowledge of our city. Our councillors owe it to the people they represent to advertise and see what is out there. It may end up that we end up with the same bloke. The exercise would be money well spent.
September 29, 2011 at 9:20 AM
Council will have to meet to get a vote wether or not to offer Mr Newton a contract or to go appoint a new CEO. If they dont give Mr Newton a contarct then they will need to advertise the CEO position.