In other news:

• NSW environment boss dumped
• New IBAC deputy commissioner
• Bushfire recovery appointments

Tas Premier farewelled

The Local Government Association of Tasmania has paid tribute to Premier Will Hodgman for his strong working relationship with local government.

Mr Hodgman this week announced his resignation from parliament after six years as premier, saying the job had taken a toll on his family and it was time for someone new to take over.

LGAT President Mayor Christina Holmdahl thanked Mr Hodgman for his commitment to working with the local government sector through the Premier’s Local Government Committee.

“Through the Premier’s Local Government Committee, the Local Government Association of Tasmania is able to regularly take the views of our sector directly to the Premier as well as raising important Local Government issues as they emerge through this valuable forum” Cr Holmdahl said.

“On behalf of the Local Government sector I wish the outgoing Premier Will Hodgman and his family all the best for the future. We look forward to continuing a constructive relationship with the state government under new leadership, supported by the Minister for Local Government”.

Top NSW environment bureaucrat sacked

Anissa Levy remains an employee of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment despite being removed as co-ordinator general of environment, energy and science.

Ms Levy was formerly deputy CEO of Infrastructure NSW and Acting Chair and CEO of the EPA between March-November 2018.

The NSW Labor Opposition has slammed the Berejiklian Government for dumping Ms Levy in the midst of the bushfire crisis, saying it shows the department is wasting time on infighting rather than coming up a bushfire response.

“They’ve sacked national parks rangers, EPA staff and now the coordinator general,” Shadow Environment Minister Kate Washington said.

A department spokesperson told Government News Ms Levy was on planned leave and remained an employee of DPIE.

New Deputy IBAC commissioner

The head of Victoria’s local government watchdog has been appointed deputy commissioner of the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission, where he will join fellow deputy Katie Miller in assisting Commissioner Robert Redlich.

Mr Wolf, who is currently the Chief Municipal Inspector for the Local Government Inspectorate, has forged a successful career working in the Victorian Public Sector in integrity and regulatory environments.

Mr Wolf will focus on IBAC’s oversight of Victoria’s public sector, while Ms Miller will focus on police oversight.

His three-year appointment starts on January 28.

John Lynch will act as the Chief Municipal Inspector while the government recruits Mr Wolf’s replacement.

NSW recovery head faces ‘daunting’ task

The former head of the NSW Police counter-terrorism unit has described his new role heading up the state’s bushfire recovery efforts as a daunting task.

The state government has appointed Mick Willing to lead bushire recovery following a call-up of army reservists by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and his appointment was followed by the resignation of State Emergency Recovery Controller Fergus O’Connor.

In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Mr Willing said his immediate focus will be identifying community needs, cutting through red tape and putting resources on the ground.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has also appointed her deputy John Barilaro as the Minister responsible for disaster recovery and retired deputy police commissioner Dick Adams as Recovery Coordinator for Southern NSW.

Former Fleet Air Commander to lead Shoalhaven recovery

The former commander of the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, Vince Di Pietro, has been appointed to lead the Shoalhaven Recovery Committee.

The appointment was made by Shoalhaven City Council’ s CEO Stephen Dunshea in consultation with NSW Police, the RFS and other agencies.

In the role Mr Di Pietro will work with Council in partnership with the emergency services and government agencies to oversee the assistance and recovery effort.

Mr Di Peitro has an extensive military background and has held senior leadership roles in the Royal Australian Navy. He is also the former CEO of Lockheed Martin Australia.

“We are very pleased to have him lead the recovery here in the Shoalhaven, working with the CEO, Mayor and Councillors to support fire-affected residents, businesses and to rebuild our communities,” Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley said.

The Shoalhaven Recovery Committee will hold regular community meetings and provide updates on the Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven website, Cr Findley said. It will work with the Recovery Coordinator for Southern NSW, former NSW assistant police commissioner Dick Adams.

First NSW Agriculture Commissioner to police farm invaders

Industry leaders and professionals have been invited to throw their hat in the ring to become the State’s first Agriculture Commissioner.

Expressions of interests are open for the new position, which will help oversee the development and implementation of the NSW Government’s Right to Farm Strategy.

The strategy is designed to prevent animal activists from invading farms, a practice the activists claim has helped expose and combat cruel and inhumane practices.

The commissioner will work with farmers, government agencies and stakeholders, and may also sit on state and federal agricultural advisory panels, agriculture minister Adam Marshall said.

“The Commissioner will be another set of eyes and ears on the ground providing regular briefs and reports to me and the government,” Mr Marshall said.

Transport for NSW seeks spin doctor

The NSW Government has announced it is on the hunt for a senior communications manager to help improve public perceptoin.

Transport for NSW has announced it is searching for an executive director of public affairs and marketing to help with the “direction of brand, marketing campaigns, corporate communications and public affairs”.