The axed general manager of Hay Shire Council has lodged an unfair dismissal claim after being sacked just 12 months into a five-year contract.
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Amanda Spalding has claimed she was sacked after making “numerous complaints" about bullying and harassment by elected councillors, as well as her decision to report what she described as “corrupt conduct and maladministration” in council to the ICAC, NSW Police and the Office of Local Government.
Hay Mayor Bill Sheaffe has denied the bullying claims.
Ms Spalding’s dismissal is the second dramatic development to hit Hay Shire’s administration and councillors in as many months.
The Office of Local Government is investigating claims that Hay Shire’s previous general manager, Allan Dwyer, used council credit cards for cash advances.
“I have decided to commence proceedings against the council and those councillors who voted to terminate my employment,” Ms Spalding said in a written statement.
“In those proceedings I will be seeking compensation from council as well as the imposition of a penalty on the Council as well as the individual councillors.
“I have also reported the conduct of Council and the councillors in terminating my employment to the ICAC and the Office of Local Government.”
Ms Spalding was sacked earlier this week after a confidential council meeting passed a no-confidence motion.
Councillor Sheaffe told The Daily Advertiser all allegations of harassment and bullying by any councillors are denied.
“As you are probably aware our local media attend all meetings. I am certain they would report on any of the suggested breaches of conduct,” Councillor Sheaffe said.
“The issue of credit card misuse was brought to councils’ attention before Ms Spalding’s employment by council.
“The corporate credit card use was not an issue that was considered at the meeting on December 18. With regard to the misuse of credit cards, as a council we welcome any investigation in to this matter.
“Council endeavours to get the best results for the Hay Shire community at all times and the decision to terminate Ms Spalding’s employment was not made lightly.”
Councillor Jenny Dwyer said the decision to relieve Ms Spalding of her position was “resolved as she had lost the confidence of the majority of Hay Shire councillors”.
“If the majority of democratic councillors does not have complete confidence or trust in their general manager it is their undeniable responsibility to find a resolution,” Cr Dwyer said.
