Shire CEO sacked by council

The Shire of Roebourne’s chief executive has been fired after the “breakdown of the relationship” between her and the council.

The decision to terminate Collene Longmore’s contract was made on March 19 at an ordinary meeting of the council.

The discussion was held in secret and the decision means the council will now have to pay Ms Longmore, who has worked in the position for more than two years, a termination fee, affecting the Shire’s budget.

Shire president Fiona White-Hartig, councillors Peter Long, Gary Bailey, Janine Miller, Margaret Bertling and Michael Saylor were for the motion to terminate Ms Longmore’s contract before the secret portion of the meeting, while councillors Nicole Lockwood, John Lally and Sharon Vertigan were against it. Two councillors were absent.

When the council returned from the private portion of the meeting, the decision to terminate the contract was made unanimously.

Ms Longmore said after the change of leadership from Cr Lockwood to Cr White-Hartig last year, she knew “it was a strong possibility” she would be terminated. Cr

White-Hartig was controversially named as president after her name was pulled out of a hat.

“I think it is extremely disappointing not only for myself but for the organisation,” Ms Longmore said.

Cr White-Hartig said there had been a relationship breakdown between Ms Longmore and council.

“It’s not uncommon (with a) new council coming in that a new direction is often wanted,” she said.

Cr White-Hartig confirmed the Shire would have to pay out Ms Longmore but refused to be drawn on the amount.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make but it is the one the council has made in the best interests of the Shire,” Cr White-Hartig said.

“I acknowledge and thank Collene for her dedicated service to the Shire over the past two-and-a-half years.”

A special council meeting was due to be held on Monday to consider the recruitment of a new chief executive and the appointment of the acting chief executive as well as Ms Longmore’s termination pay.

Ms Longmore, who is also the chairwoman of Regional Development Australia Pilbara and has a role with the Ministerial Advisory Council for Regional Development, said she hasn’t made a firm decision on her next role. “As a family we’re considering where we go to from here – we haven’t made any decisions as yet,” she said.