City of Kalamunda CEO sacked overnight by councillors

CITY of Kalamunda chief executive Rhonda Hardy has been sacked after councillors met behind closed doors at last night’s ordinary council meeting.

Mayor John Giardina moved the motion to terminate Ms Hardy’s contract, which was supported by councillors seven votes to five.

The motion was seconded by Brooke O’Donnell.

Mayor John Giardina thanked the outgoing CEO for her service.

“On behalf of council I thank Rhonda Hardy for her service to the City of Kalamunda over the past seven years,” he said.

“Rhonda was first employed in May 2011 as the Director of Corporate Services and was the CEO from July 2013 until December 2018.”

Ms Hardy replaced CEO James Trail who was dismissed for misconduct and was the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry.

Under Ms Hardy’s contract of employment the council can terminate her contract at any time for any reason.

Gary Ticehurst has been appointed the Acting CEO until December 21, 2018.

Council has engaged Price Consulting Group to assist with the recruitment of an interim CEO while the recruitment process for a substantive CEO is undertaken.

Kalamunda News convenor Frank Lindsey said no explanation had been provided to the public about the sacking.

“This most recent decision can only add to the scrutiny the Local Government Minister is likely to subject the council to,” he said.

Councillors who voted for the dismissal of the CEO are John Giardina, Geoff Stallard, Lesley Boyd, Alan Morton, Brook O’Donnell, David Almond and Margaret Thomas. Councillors who voted to oppose the dismissal are Michael Fernie, Dylan O’Connor, Kathy Ritchie, Cameron Blaire and Sara Lohmyer.