GRANT District Council staff have described the organisation’s culture as “toxic” and a place “gripped by infighting” in an explosive report released yesterday.
The cultural review has revealed the local government body was embroiled in turmoil due to tensions between Grant District Mayor Richard Sage and former chief executive officer David Singe.
Every respondent who took part in the cultural review was “clear” that either Mr Sage or the CEO, in many cases both, “should be removed”.
Staff also wanted to see the mayor no longer involved in operational matters, including approaching officers “directly with requests or demands”.
While the report was completed in April, dramatic scenes in the chamber this week revealed emotions remain high among disgruntled and aggrieved staff.
Staff sitting in the gallery at this week’s meeting walked out in protest amid concerns the cultural review may not be released to the public.
This followed Mr Sage pushing for the matter to be discussed in confidence.
The lengthy report was later taken out of confidence during these closed talks on Monday night.
According to the lengthy report compiled by AME Recruitment, it alleged “multiple incidents” of staff “being left in tears” following interactions with the mayor.
While staff recognised the mayor’s “dedication and passion” to the Grant district community, the report revealed that his method and approach with the workforce did the “greatest damage”.
“It is clear that some of the issues with the mayor are not new, his engagement, combative and entitled style has not altered significantly over the past few years.
“What has changed is that previous CEOs were better at actively managing the ‘fall-out’ from the mayor, better at protecting staff and better at keeping the conflict confidential.”
The report also warned unless change was implemented, the new chief executive would find themself with a similar relationship with the mayor in “less than three months” based on the experience of the past four CEOs.
The Border Watch yesterday contacted Mr Sage for comment, but he did not return calls before press time yesterday.
This newspaper is not accusing Mr Sage of any wrong-doing, but is reporting the outcome of the review by the local government authority.
On a positive note, it was acknowledged the new council – excluding the mayor – was working hard to improve the council’s workplace and culture.
“This was appreciated by many people. The level of consultation with staff, facilitated by the elected body was making a positive contribution to the organisation,” the report said.
Meanwhile, Mr Singe – whose contract was terminated in April – lacked leadership capability, according to the review.
“There is a strong sense the CEO is not protecting staff from the behaviour of the mayor…,” the report said.
“Rather the CEO’s approach appears to be ‘let it happen’ and collect/document multiple examples of inappropriate behaviour as part of a broader agenda.
“It is imperative the elected body implement a number of actions and steps to help turn the organisation around,” the review said.
The Border Watch also contacted Mr Singe for comment.
The full report can be found on the council’s website.
