Wednesday 3 June 2009

Pyne calls for total accountability

Councillor Rob Pyne has called for the report into Cairns Regional Council’s ‘Cash for Comments’ controversy, including the cost of the report, to be made public.

The decision on the report will be determined at a special closed meeting at midday today.

“This report will say something about Council Operations and the extent to which the Mayor is involved or sidelined when important decisions are made,” Councillor Rob Pyne said.

“As a Councillor you are told you must never instruct staff and that most of what Council does is ‘Operational’ and the business of the CEO and Council staff. Well that is fine, but if public officials are making all these decisions, then they need to be made accountable too”.

“To maintain public confidence, the CEO must ensure the full report is tabled. If this does not happen, because senior staff are involved, the allegation will be that there is a ‘cover up’. The only way this can be avoided, is if the report is made public."

"As is often the case, this is another example of justice not only being done, but being seen to be done," Robert Pyne said.

At today’s meeting, Councillor Pyne will:
  • Move to have the Henry Report received and tabled,
  • Move that it be made public and provided to the media,
  • Request the full cost of the ‘investigation’ be made public; and
  • Suggest the report be referred to the Department of Local Government for their perusal and advice.

14 comments:

Syd Walker said...

As an outside observer of Cairns Regional Council affairs, Rob Pyne does seem to stand out for integrity, clarity of purpose and the ability to communicate effectively.

Constance Lloyd said...

I think we are looking at a future Mayor of Cairns in the making!

The Headless Horseman said...

In retrospect, it's a shame that after the election of a new mayor, the council chose not to call for applications for CEO. It would have been ideal for the council to have a CEO who was prepared to work harmoniously with the Mayor and councillors.
I congratulate Robert Pyne on his efforts. I wonder where his passion for local government comes from?

nocturnal congress said...

Yeah, well, Pyne has had a dream run compared to Val Schier.

S. Northy said...

Too bloody right, nocturnal. Some of us older women remember what the male attitudes were like when we women went out into the workforce in the 1960s and 1970s and it pretty much reflects what we've seen coming from the "boys club" of Cairns with our first ever female Mayor.

colin riddell said...

I always respect someone that is not afraid to put their head on the line , no matter what ,Rob Pyne you are a beacon amongst the murky waters of this scandal WELL DONE you have my respect and to the weak gutted rest of you that don,t back rob pyne I will hound you till we get rid of you all!

Unknown said...

well done Rob

Would love to see another Pyne in the mayors chair

Jude Johnston said...

Headless H,

The incoming Council voted on whether or not to have the CEO Postion advertised, but of course the "Old Boys" Club voted against it and to retain Mr Briggs. One could speculate on the reason for this. As you quite rightly say, this position should have been advertised for suitable applicants.
Just another example of the Culture there.
Both Rob and Julia are beyond reproach.

Quickie said...

Jude ... the "old boys club" as you call it consists of 3 people ...

Bonneau, Blake and Gregory.

So where did the majority that voted to keep Briggs come from ???

Do tell us what gender they were.

Chicken Little said...

It should be noted that Rob Pyne voted with the 'old boys club' to keep Noel as CEO without advertising the position...It was only Schier, Lesina, Forsyth and Leu who voted against.

Quickie said...

Cr Pyne said "“To maintain public confidence, the CEO must ensure the full report is tabled. If this does not happen, because senior staff are involved, the allegation will be that there is a ‘cover up’. The only way this can be avoided, is if the report is made public."

OK .. he tabled a censored report.
And your colegues decided that the cencored report, along with the $1700 per page report, be kept secret.

What are you going to do now ... Robert??

nocturnal congress said...

Quickie, old china plate, have you had a few beers tonight? Look at the spelling?

Quickie said...

Sorry nochahs ... was in such a rush.
Yes I'm enjoying the fruits of the vine as I type.
Cheers big ears ... Q

nocturnal congress said...

For Quickie... bottle of wine, fruit of the vine, when you gonna let me get sober...leave me alone, let me go home, let me go home, and start over......>>>great song!