Statement From Shire President

Appointment of Acting CEO for Shire of Capel

The Shire of Capel Council held a Special Meeting at short notice last night to appoint Director of Infrastructure and Development Mr Jason Gick as acting CEO during the absence of CEO Ian McCabe.

Mr McCabe left work suddenly on Tuesday without notice or advice as to the nature of his leave and without appointing an acting CEO.  He has advised staff he plans to return on April 30, following the next Ordinary Meeting of Council scheduled for April 29.

This has caused some disruption, but Shire operations continue – subject to the COVID-19 restrictions and changes which have been put in place to deal with the current emergency situation.

The Council meeting at 6pm on April 29 will continue via the online Zoom application and will be able to be viewed live by members of the public, with public questions submitted in advance to be read out and responded to in the meeting.  The Agenda for this meeting is available on the Shire website.

In answer to a question asked in the Agenda, staff have referred to a breakdown of his relationship with the President and “litigation”. This refers to a private claim I have lodged that I was defamed by the CEO back in mid-2019 before I became President in an email sent to several members of staff and some councillors. The matter is still unresolved.

I have endeavoured to put that matter to one side and continue communications and co-operation with the CEO on Council affairs. Lately, this has become difficult.

In the next few days, I will have urgent discussions with my fellow councillors to find a way to resolve this issue, so that the Council can continue to move forward and provide good local government for our ratepayers and residents.

Please show some patience and understanding to your councillors and each other as we all work through this difficult and stressful period.

Cr Michael Southwell President