Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White (left) have both made statements about Andrew Constance’s appointment to the council. Photos: Shoalhaven City Council.
The former long-time Bega MP and NSW South Coast federal candidate for the Liberals Andrew Constance has been announced as the new CEO for Shoalhaven City Council.
But his appointment has been decried by his former opponent and current Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, who claimed the decision “smacks of political bastardry”.
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.
On Tuesday (30 September), Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White noted Mr Constance’s 18 years of public service when announcing he would be her council’s new CEO.
“Andrew’s commitment to the Shoalhaven and his proven leadership make him an outstanding choice to guide our organisation,” she said.
“His deep understanding of regional issues, infrastructure and community engagement positions him strongly to lead the council into its next chapter.
“We look forward to working with him to realise a bold vision for Shoalhaven – one that champions long-term financial sustainability while shaping a thriving, inclusive future for our entire community.”
But Ms Phillips said due to the appointment, she had lost all confidence in Mayor White and the council.
She said she would be writing to the NSW Minister for Local Government with her concerns.
“Mr Constance has no local government employment experience,” she said.
“During the 2025 federal election, the Shoalhaven Mayor, Cr Selena Clancy and Cr Jason Cox were actively supporting Andrew Constance.
“This smacks of political bastardry; there must have been other applicants on the merit list with local government employment experience.
“It reeks of ‘jobs for Liberal mates’, and does not pass the pub test. It is certainly not in the best interests of Shoalhaven ratepayers.”
A council spokesperson said Mr Constance’s appointment followed a comprehensive recruitment process led by council and supported by independent advisors Stephen Blackadder Consulting (SBC).
“After a rigorous and competitive selection process, we’re confident that the successful candidate is the best possible choice,” SBC managing director Stephen Blackadder said.
Region put Ms Phillips’ claims to Shoalhaven City Council and asked for more information on why Mr Constance had been selected as its CEO, but a council spokesperson said Mayor White declined to comment at this stage.
Mr Constance formally begins his new role next week. Attempts were made to contact him for comment.
