MOUNT Gambier City Council chief executive Mark McShane has defended the government body’s staff restructure program and denied it was fueling low morale among staff members.
While 12 staff have left council since the employment overhaul began, Mr McShane, who spearheaded the restructure, said the reasons were varied and included retirement, professional opportunity and family relocation.
He said the extensive restructure was necessary given the previous structure had been in place for over 20 years.
“Council’s revised direction via our community plan required a rethink on how best to deliver services to the community,” Mr McShane told The Border Watch.
“As we all know, change is ongoing, nothing remains the same and organisations must be structured and equipped to deliver the best outcomes at the best value.
“Like any organisation, we are not immune to change, if we left things as they were we would hear complaints that we were too old fashioned and not adapting,” Mr McShane said.
Under the new structure, general managers and managers are on limited term contracts that must be renegotiated at the end of each term, however Mr McShane said council’s 143 employees had no reason to be concerned about their long-term future at the organisation.
“Council employees are covered by two enterprise agreements providing security of employment,” he said.
“Council is working through a change process and some staff uncertainty is normal over the short term to deliver improved services in future.”
Despite losing key, long-serving staff this year including finance manager Gary Button, operational services director Daryl Sexton, regulatory services manager Michael Silvy and corporate services director Grant Humphries, Mr McShane said he was not concerned the council was losing decades of invaluable experience.
“We value all of our employees and their experience and contribution to the community,” he said.
“Some of our employees have considerable experience and are moving on to new opportunities, which is normal in any organisation – Michael Silvy is one such employee chasing new professional challenges with a private company in Adelaide.
“Council is respectful of all our employees and their diverse backgrounds and skill sets.”
He added council had employed 12 young people as administration, horticulture, construction and school-based trainees over the past three years.
Four general managers – responsible for community wellbeing, city infrastructure, city growth and council business services – were appointed in 2017.
When asked if there had been any cost saving to council’s budget given a number of new executives were appointed, Mr McShane said the restructure was cost neutral.
“Developing a positive organisation culture is an ongoing focus,” he said.
“Staff were engaged extensively in the lead up to and since the restructure and council allocates significant resources to training and development.
“Staff have employment security and excellent work conditions that are as good or better than any other in the region.”
