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Wagga ratepayers have been kept in the dark about the reasons behind the sacking of general manager Alan Eldridge, as well as the cost to the city.
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Wagga mayor Greg Conkey addressed the media with council solicitor Adrian Barwick on Tuesday morning, but the men were guarded in their response.
Several questions about the specifics of the termination – including details of any payments to Mr Eldridge – were fielded by Mr Barwick, who remained tight-lipped. It was unknown how much Mr Eldridge’s termination would cost ratepayers.
“Because this is a confidential personnel matter, council is constrained not to release or divulge any information regarding it,” Mr Barwick said.
“Council made its decision based on its position in relation to Mr Eldridge’s contract, independent of considerations in respect to other matters that may be happening.
“The key reason not to divulge the basis of the termination is out of respect to Mr Eldridge’s confidentiality and his privacy and in that regard council is treating Mr Eldridge in the same manner as any other employee departing council.”
Cr Conkey said he was concerned the city’s reputation had been damaged by the scandal surrounding the situation.
“This has been a difficult, long and tough process for council, but also for Mr Eldridge and his family and we need to acknowledge and recognise that as well,” Cr Conkey said.
Wagga Ratepayers Community chief Wes Fang said he found the responses “underwhelming”, but said council had been given an opportunity for a “clean sheet” with the community.
“I urge council to embrace this opportunity along with the new general manager to take on a more transparent, open and accountable posture with the community,” Mr Fang said.
“However, it’s disappointing that there was no acknowledgement of the structural and cultural issues that continue to exist in council… its previous adversarial approach to groups like ours was not good.
“In my opinion, the Office of Local Government needs to seriously consider taking a look at Wagga.”
Cr Conkey said he had met with staff before the media briefing to discuss the situation, but would not directly answers questions about whether there were any internal tensions among staff.