By Laura Michell
Whittlesea council has reached a confidential settlement with former chief executive Simon Overland.
Mr Overland’s contract was terminated by the former Whittlesea councillors on December 10, 2019, while he was on indefinite leave from the council. His five-year contract was due to expire in August 2022.
Mr Overland challenged the council’s decision in court, however, council administrator Lydia Wilson announced late last month that a settlement had been reached.
She said the settlement finalised all matters relating to Mr Overland and provided the council with the opportunity to move forward.
“In reaching this settlement with Mr Overland, we avoid a lengthy court process and further legal costs in relation to this matter,” Ms Wilson said.
“I have reviewed a number of documents, including the independent monitor’s report that examined governance and operations at the City of Whittlesea. I believe this decision is in the best interest of the organisation and our community.”
As reported by Star Weekly, councillors provided no reason for their decision to terminate Mr Overland’s contract.
Following his dismissal from the council, Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek appointed a monitor to oversee the governance and operations of the council.
A report by council monitor Yehudi Blacher said the council’s Chief Executive Officer Employment Matters Advisory Committee had assessed Mr Overland’s performance in 2018-19 as “exceeding expectations”, but the assessment was rejected by the majority of council in November 2019.
The report also revealed that $500,000 has been spent by the council over the past two years on legal matters relating to a councillor’s working relationship with former council chief executive Simon Overland and other councillors, as well as legal action taken by Mr Overland against the council regarding his dismissal while on WorkCover.
Ms Wilson said Mr Blacher’s report found councillor behaviour had not been consistent with the councillor code of conduct and had caused significant harm to the council’s administration and reputation.
The council was dismissed by Parliament on March 19.
“The City of Whittlesea is now firmly focused on the community, delivering services and providing support that they expect and deserve,” Ms Wilson said.
“We wish Mr Overland well in his future endeavours, and I look forward to working closely with the community and staff to ensure that Whittlesea is a place for all.”
