In other news:

• Qantas exec named Western Sydney Airport
• New Queensland Ombudsman
• Replacement for Shane Fitzsimmons endorsed 

Warrnambool CEO dumped in unexplained sacking

Warrnambool City Council’s CEO Peter Schneider has been ousted at a special meeting despite attempts by the Mayor to avoid the decision.

“It is with regret that I announce Peter’s departure from Council,” Warrnambool mayor Tony Herbert said in a statement last Tuesday.

He said a no reason was given to support the notice of motion for the termination last Monday and described it as a “very difficult decision for the community to understand”.

He said Mr Schneider’s recent performance appraisals were all passed by council and he had also received a pay rise.

Mr Herbert also said Mr Schneider had produced a financially responsible budget and responded well to the coronavirus pandemic.

“After numerous offers of mediation by me to avoid this decision, some councillors did not avail themselves,” he said.

Cr Herbert said the cost of the decision to sack Mr Schneider was the subject of a gag order by councillors.

“It’s my view that the community has a right to know this cost, but for the time being we are prevented from disclosing this information,” he said.

Mr Schneider was appointed in February last year, having previously held the position of CEO of the East Metropolitan Regional Council in Perth.

Council’s director of Community Development Vikki King has been appointed as acting CEO.

CEO announced for Western Sydney Airport

Former Qantas executive and Lendlease CFO Simon Hickey has been appointed as the new CEO of the Western Sydney Airport.

In his position with the Liverpool-based organisation he will oversee the building and running of the future international airport.

Mr Hickey said taking the reins of Western Sydney Airport as the project enters a critical stage of delivery will be a challenging and rewarding experience.

“My focus will be not only on building the infrastructure, but on building the commercial proposition around passenger aviation, air cargo and our on-airport business park,” he said.

“This project is about so much more than terminals and runways, it’s the catalyst for jobs and investment in Western Sydney.”

WSA chair Paul O’Sullivan said Mr Hickey would draw on more than 30 years of commercial, infrastructure and aviation experience to lead the organisation through the airport’s construction and into operation.

“Western Sydney Airport has a very positive profile in local and overseas aviation markets, which led to a very high level of interest in the CEO role from candidates across the world,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy said the one-in-100 year project would be a key local economic driver.

“I look forward to continuing the good relations with Western Sydney Airport which chose our city as its base in 2017, a meaningful commitment to Sydney’s third CBD,” she said in a statement.

“The new airport will be a game changer for our community. I look forward to continuing the strong partnership with WSA under Simon Hickey’s leadership.”

Rob Rogers endorsed as NSW RFS Commissioner

Rob Rogers has been endorsed as the new NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner following the departure of Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons earlier this year.

Mr Rogers joined as a volunteer in 1979 in the Belrose Rural Fire Brigade and went on to hold a number of senior leadership roles including regional management, community safety and operations.

He was previously acting commissioner and served nine years as deputy commissioner.

“Rob is truly a veteran of the RFS – the community has benefitted from Rob’s leadership in action over successive fire seasons,” Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said.

New Ombudsman for Queensland

 Anthony Reilly has been appointed Queensland’s new Ombudsman.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said Mr Reilly was a highly respected legal practitioner and public servant who brought strong skills and experience to the role.

“Anthony Reilly has built a career representing Queenslanders in the State’s legal system and serving the public,” the Attorney-General said.

Mr Reilly has had over a decade’s experience working in the community legal sector, and has served as CEO of Legal Aid Queensland since 2009.

He has also held key leadership roles in a number of government departments and agencies including Queensland Health, Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Public Safety Business Agency.

The Ombudsman investigates complaints about the actions and decisions of state government departments and agencies local councils and public universities and has oversight of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010.

Mr Reilly will also have statutory authority to seek improvements to the quality of decision-making and administrative practice in government agencies.

He replaces outgoing Ombudsman Phil Clarke.

Tasmanian Public Guardian steps down

Tasmania’s Public Guardian Kim Barker will resign from her position in November after five years in the job.

Ms Barker has held the position of Public Guardian since September 2015, overseeing the protection of adults with disabilities in the state.

“During her tenure, Tasmania has seen significant changes to the disability sector with the continued implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme,” Attorney General Elise Archer said.

Recruitment for a new Public Guardian is underway.