Kingborough Council says it has already forked out just over $50,000 in the hunt for a new chief executive officer, with another $20,000 likely to follow.
This month, the southern Tasmanian council will roll out the welcome mat for its incoming CEO from New Zealand, Dave Stewart.
Stewart, who previously served as the General Manager of Active Communities at Auckland Council, will step into the shoes of Gary Arnold, who recently retired after nearly a decade at the helm.
“He and his wife and will be moving to Tasmania in early April 2024 to take up the position at Kingborough Council,” Mayor Paula Wriedt said.
“Mr Stewart comes with impressive multi sector experience having previously worked for Paralympics New Zealand, Australian Rugby and the Australian Rugby Foundation.”
Responding to a question in tonight’s meeting agenda, the council’s Director of People & Finance David Spinks disclosed that $50,593 had been spent on the search for a new leader “to date”.
The figure covers recruitment agency fees, recruitment consultant travel costs, shortlisted candidate travel costs, police and other checks and Hogan personality assessments, he said.
“Council approved the recruitment costs in a closed Council meeting in August 2023, with the costs being in line with the industry standard for the recruitment of a senior position such as this,” Spinks said.
“A further provision up to $20,000 has been approved for costs associated with relocation and accommodation and these will be paid upon presentation of satisfactory receipts and approval by the Mayor.”
