By Ruza Zivkusic
BRIMBANK City Council has refused to reveal the number of applicants for the council’s media and communications position when asked by Star.
But some councillors, who wished to remain unanimous, told Star that only eight candidates applied for the job. Mark Ward – the former state organiser for the ALP and a ministerial adviser to Kororoit MP Andre Haermeyer, was the successful candidate.
Councillors learned of Mr Ward’s appointment after it was reported in the media.
They expressed their disappointment, saying the role should have been re-advertised in order to receive more applications.
The mayor, Margaret Giudice, said CEO Marilyn Duncan assured her that it was a “fair and transparent process”.
“A panel was put together to interview Mark Ward and he was the best candidate for the position,” Cr Giudice said.
Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association member John Hedditch said the appointment of Mr Ward, who was a close friend of Cr Natalie Suleyman, was a perfect example of the “things that were happening behind closed doors” during Cr Suleyman’s mayorship.
“There wouldn’t be one person that knows this council well that would have any doubts as to what happened there,” St Albans Traders Association Secretary Asip Demiri said.
“There was a job for the former mayor Natalie Sulelyman’s best mate and that’s the end of story.”
Cr Suleyman failed to return Star’s calls before the paper’s deadline.
