Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White welcomed Andrew Constance to the position of council’s CEO. Photo: Shoalhaven City Council.
Former Bega MP Andrew Constance has outlined his vision for a NSW South Coast council after his controversial appointment as its CEO.
Earlier this month, he was announced as the new CEO of Shoalhaven City Council, drawing the ire of his former opponent and current Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, who said he “has no local government employment experience”.
After his appointment, the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) received a complaint about the recruitment process for the position and a spokesperson for the department confirmed enquiries would be made into the process.
“The minister has requested that OLG use its powers under the Local Government Act to make preliminary enquiries about the recruitment processes undertaken by Shoalhaven City Council concerning the appointment of its new general manager, to ensure correct processes were followed by the council,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Constance started in his new role this week and released a statement saying he was focused on improving council’s financial sustainability as well as its service delivery while maintaining the area’s natural beauty.
“My priority is to work with staff to ensure council is meeting the needs and expectations of Shoalhaven residents. I’m dedicated to navigating the challenges, building trust with the community and shaping a positive future for our city,” he said.
“I see my appointment as an opportunity to reset council’s relationships with the community and build momentum with prospective investors, to grow our economy and create a more sustainable financial future.
“Council is the heartbeat of the community, and I’m excited to get to work alongside the incredible men and women who work for this organisation to forge a new path for the city.”
Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White said council needed investment in its region to stimulate the economy, revitalise major town centres and support employment, local business and the wellbeing of its communities.
“The beauty and location of our city is attracting investors wanting to deliver the accommodation that we need in appropriate locations like Nowra and Ulladulla,” she said.
“It’s important that we protect our natural environment and provide greater opportunities for residents to realise their potential here in the Shoalhaven.
“I’m excited to see the fresh approach Andrew will bring in his new role and am confident he has the skills and energy needed to guide the organisation through this challenging period.”
Mr Constance spent 18 years as the Member for Bega before resigning to run as the Liberals’ candidate in Gilmore, but lost to Labor’s Ms Phillips when competing for the seat in the 2022 and 2025 elections.
He held several ministerial portfolios such as Treasurer of NSW, finance, transport and roads, industrial relations, ageing and disability services.
The OLG’s guidelines say while councillors make up the governing body of a council and make decisions by passing resolutions, it is the general manager’s role to implement council’s lawful decisions.
A general manager’s tasks include the day-to-day management of council, assisting the development of council’s strategic direction, determining the organisational structure, appointing and directing staff, as well as supporting councillors.
