Andrew Thaler says he's 'glad' Snowy Monaro CEO resigned after election

Controversial new councillor Andrew Thaler has slammed the exit of Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s (SMRC) chief executive officer, who resigned after the recent local government election.

Council’s CEO David Hogan tendered his resignation on Tuesday morning (8 October).

“He has done an Elvis and left the building,” incoming councillor Mr Thaler said in a live video on social media that afternoon.

“I’m glad he resigned because he didn’t deserve to be there.”

Mr Thaler secured a spot on the newly elected council in last month’s elections despite a ban on him entering council premises.

He was told he would have to attend council meetings remotely via Zoom.

In Tuesday’s live video, Cr Thaler claimed last week that Mr Hogan was given legal advice that the “ban” against him was “not lawful”.

Region asked council to confirm these claims, but it did not respond.

Cr Thaler said he had been prepared to pay $15,000 to file an injunction in the Supreme Court earlier that day.

“Don’t underestimate my resolve, council,” he said.

“Comply with the law, do what needs to be done, allow the staff to do the job they are paid to do, and we won’t have any problems.”

He said now Mr Hogan had resigned, they could “reorganise” council.

A council spokesperson said SMRC staff were advised earlier on Tuesday of Mr Hogan’s decision.

“While much has been achieved in this past year, reforms that have literally brought SMRC back from the brink of administration, the foundations for positive change have now been laid,” Mr Hogan said in a statement provided by council.

“Under council’s current policy with regards to a CEO departure, Mr David Rawlings will be acting CEO while a recruitment process is considered by council.

“SMRC is fortunate to have a high-calibre executive team and a tremendous group of staff that will continue to support and oversee the delivery of council’s daily services and projects. I wish them all well and every success into the future.”

Mr Hogan took over as council’s CEO in November 2023.

He worked as general manager of corporate affairs and community relations at Snowy Hydro from 2010 to 2014. He served as the Greater Sydney general manager for Local Land Services and spent three years as the head of engagement and communications with WaterNSW.

“Mr Hogan’s extensive experience in driving improvements in employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and organisational reforms makes his appointment to the role of CEO a perfect fit with council’s vision for growth and positive change,” council said on its website.

Cr Thaler is no stranger to controversy, having claimed to be the family spokesperson for the family of Clare Nowland, the 95-year-old woman who died after allegedly being tasered by a police officer in her aged care home in Cooma in 2023, despite the family stating he was not.

He was handed assault charges resulting from an alleged altercation at a Nimmitabel cafe in May 2024, but these were ultimately withdrawn and dismissed.

In September 2024, a Yes campaigner who spat on Cr Thaler after he began filming her and called her an offensive term had her charge dismissed.

Also, while he pleaded guilty to a charge of intimidation over an incident from 2018, no conviction was recorded for the matter.

Councillors will be officially sworn in and the new mayor and deputy mayor will be elected at the next ordinary meeting at 1 pm on Thursday (10 October) at Cooma Council Chambers.

Region has previously reported that Jindabyne businessman Rocky Harvey has called on residents to write to NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig to use his discretionary powers to prevent Mr Thaler from being formally appointed to council.