The majority of Wyndham’s councillors have refused to comment on chief executive Kerry Thompson’s position, preferring to let mayor Heather Marcus speak on their behalf.
The Weekly phoned all 10 councillors last Friday after the Australian Services Union called for Ms Thompson to be sacked.
Councillors were asked if they thought
Ms Thompson should have spent almost $355,000 of ratepayer money on hiring a private investigator and defending her actions at the Fair Work Commission, and if she still had their support.
Only councillors Gautam Gupta and Intaj Khan answered the questions, saying they believed Ms Thompson had acted appropriately.
“I stand with the CEO. I have trust in the CEO and what she is doing – we are behind her,” Cr Gupta said.
Cr Khan said he had great confidence in Ms Thompson and he didn’t see a reason for her to be sacked.
Councillors Peter Maynard and Peter Gibbons referred the Weekly to the council’s media team.
Cr John Gibbons declined to comment, suggesting questions should be directed to Cr Marcus. Cr Adele Hegedich said she was not in a position to answer questions relating to the commission hearing, while Cr Bob Fairclough declined to comment.
Cr Marcus, Cr Marie Brittan and Cr Glenn Goodfellow did not return calls.
The council’s media team later issued a statement on Cr Marcus’ behalf.
“The mayor and councillors fully support the CEO and directors in their handling of the Fair Work industrial matter,” the statement said.
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