Government to review Andrew Constance's controversial appointment as council CEO

Let’s keep this factual.

Andrew Constance did indeed serve as Member for Bega for many years and held senior ministerial portfolios. But it’s also true that his record — particularly on infrastructure and local government matters — was not without controversy.

The Bega Hospital was a long-planned regional health project with funding commitments spanning multiple governments; the project was not solely his achievement.
The Batemans Bay and Nelligen bridges were jointly funded by the NSW and Federal Governments as part of broader transport programs, not personal lobbying.
The Moruya Hospital delay and cost increases were tied to Health Infrastructure NSW’s planning process and pandemic-era cost pressures — not a “Greens” agenda.
The claim that “Regional NSW has entered a dark, grim period” under Labor is an opinion — yet NSW Treasury data shows record levels of regional infrastructure spending continuing across health, housing and transport since 2023.

On the election numbers — Fiona Phillips increased her two-party preferred vote in 2025, consolidating Gilmore as a marginal Labor seat for the first time in decades. Her margin improved in urban and coastal booths but remained competitive inland — a normal pattern for the region.

As for Andrew Constance’s appointment as Shoalhaven CEO, that raises legitimate governance questions. A CEO role in local government is not a political job; it demands neutrality, professional management experience and independence from party interests. Political background does not automatically translate into capability under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).

Criticism of that appointment — or of how it was handled — is not “bitterness.” It’s accountability, the same standard that should apply to any public role funded by ratepayers.

Steve Prothero – I agree let’s keep it factual! As I said he was very good at LOBBYING for the developments I stated. Of course it was a multi person endeavour, but Labor came late to the party for the Bega Hospital and the Moruya hospital – although they will claim differently. Do you seriously believe the Batemans Bay and Nelligen bridges would have proceeded without Constance lobbying for it?

Your comment that ‘NSW treasury data shows record level of regional spending since 2023’ is pure disinformation. Looking at it carefully shows that virtually all of it was budgeted prior to 2023. There is virtually nothing budgeted for the future at either State or Federal level.

If it wasn’t for Green preferences then Labor would hardly win any seats in regional NSW. Have a look at the AEC and NSW Electoral to confirm that. The Greens with their lunatic fringe ideas will want ‘payback’ in one form or another. This will be in SE NSW to the detriment of the timber industry, agriculture industry and fishing. These foreign income earners for SE NSW used to be the backbone of employment here.

I believe that if Constance is given a fair go, with little backstabbing, then he would be an efficient and effective Council general manager. I see no reason for his politics hindering him .. if anything it would help in lobbying for extra funds for Shoalhaven Council. However Labor politicians and supporters seem to be the best haters of all. Your article ‘A poisoned chalice: Why Constance …’ is almost laughably over the top hyperbole rather than informed commentary. Good luck with Ms Phillips and Ms. Butler.