NEWLY appointed acting general manager Craig Swift-McNair says there is no denying Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has experienced a turbulent six years, but the way forward will lie with a strengthened senior management team working in partnership with councillors.
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The news of the dismissal of general manager Tony Hayward filtered through the corridors and across the desks of council staff late Monday afternoon and became yet another chapter to the organisation’s tumultuous six year history since the sacking of the former council following the Glasshouse inquiry in 2008.
Mr Swift-McNair, director of finance and governance, said now is the time for the organisation to move forward with its long-term program of change and reform.
“I had briefings with the senior leadership team on the day and I had their full support,” Mr Swift-McNair said. “While it will be disruptive, this is about continuing on the path we’ve been on to improve what we do. We need to work through this in a respectful way for Tony, but also if there are staff who are feeling vulnerable as a result of this decision.
“No-one can excuse the last five to six years of this council which has had three administrators and a council sacked. The challenge for this organisation has been to recognise that it is very different under administration than it is answering to nine councillors. It’s a very different game.
“We need to discuss how we can work better with councillors and achieve a close relationship. There is plenty we can do.”
Mr Swift-McNair’s appointment as acting general manager is effective immediately. The recruitment process for a new general manager is expected to be launched within the next three weeks.
