By MATT NICHOLLS
THE ONGOING saga between Armidale Dumaresq Council mayor Laurie Bishop and general manager Shane Burns has caught the attention of Local Government Minister Don Page.
His office told the Armidale Independent that Mr Page was keeping an eye on proceedings from afar.
“The Minister for Local Government and Division of Local Government are aware of, and are monitoring, the situation at Armidale Dumaresq Council,” a spokesman said.
“The employment relationship between a council and its general manager is regulated under the standard contract of employment for general managers approved under the Local Government Act 1993.
“The standard contract is available on the Division’s website.”
If Mr Burns is signed to a standard contract, the website says council may terminate the general manager’s contract at any time by giving him 38 weeks written notice or pay the general manager a lump sum of 38 weeks remuneration.
“If there are less than 38 weeks left to run in the term of the general manager’s contract, a council can pay out the balance of the contract in lieu of notice,” the website said.
As Mr Burns is contracted until this first week of September, he would fall under the 38 weeks notice period.
Mr Page’s office said it was unlikely the minister or DLG would have to intervene.
“Ultimately, the performance and oversight of a general manager is a matter for the council,” the spokesman said.
“Councils are responsible for managing most types of complaints against councillors (including the mayor) under their adopted Code of Conduct.
“Further information on the Model Code of Conduct and procedures is available on the Division’s website.”
The Independent also put forward several questions to Local Government NSW, but were told that “LGNSW doesn’t comment on individual matters of our member councils”.
