Veteran public servant Chris Rose PSM has been appointed as Governance Advisor to Redland City Council in a sweeping State Government intervention aimed at improving councillor conduct, meeting attendance and internal relationships.
Mr Rose’s appointment, made under section 117 of the Local Government Act 2009, will take effect once the notice is published in the Queensland Government Gazette and run until May 29, 2026.
In a letter, the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers confirmed the Advisor will focus on rebuilding “effective working relationships” within the elected body and strengthening understanding of “roles and responsibilities under the legislation”.
The Department emphasised Mr Rose is not a councillor or council employee, but a statutory appointee empowered to help the council “perform its responsibilities properly” and ensure compliance with local government laws.
Under the LGA, the council is legally required to cooperate fully with the Advisor.
Decades of local government leadership
Mr Rose brings more than 30 years of senior local government experience, including a decade as CEO of Logan City Council and almost two years as CEO of Toowoomba City Council.
Before that he spent nine years as a director at Logan, and also worked internationally as an AusAID advisor in South Africa, producing a baseline report for a three-year program designed to build the capacity of local governments.
Since 2016, he has served as Managing Director of Crest Performance, providing governance and leadership support to public sector organisations.
Broad brief – but no role in operational matters
The Department stressed that Mr Rose will not be reviewing the council’s administrative arm or intervening in day-to-day operations, which remain the responsibility of the CEO.
Instead, his focus will be on councillor behaviour, culture and governance.
According to the terms of reference, Mr Rose will:
- Develop strategies to ensure all councillors physically attend meetings and workshops, contributing meaningfully to decision-making.
- Work with the Mayor to strengthen understanding of the Mayor’s complex statutory functions and help develop “the skills of an effective leader”.
- Review council meeting processes and chairing techniques to help meetings “run smoothly”.
- Examine and make recommendations on communication between the Mayor, councillors and senior executives, including the potential creation of formal communication protocols.
- Advise councillors on the proper use of social media, ensuring posts comply with local government principles.
- Report concerns to the Department about councillor wellbeing where it impacts their ability to perform their role.
- Advise if further State intervention or support is required.
Mr Rose will be required to attend all council workshops, briefings and meetings, including closed sessions, throughout the duration of his appointment.
No public meetings, no investigations
The Advisor is expressly prohibited from meeting with members of the public or investigating complaints under the Local Government Act or Crime and Corruption Act.
His fortnightly reports will go directly to the Department’s Director-General, with immediate reporting required for any potential breaches of legislation or serious governance concerns.
Council to foot the bill
In the correspondence, the Department confirmed it will issue regular invoices to Redland City Council for the full cost of the Advisor, including expenses such as travel and professional indemnity insurance.
The Director-General has exercised powers under section 119 of the Act to direct the council to pay all associated costs.
Departmental officers will now begin induction and logistical arrangements with council.
The appointment follows mounting concerns within the State Government about internal tensions, absenteeism and governance dysfunction across Redland City Council.
Mr Rose’s work will begin as soon as the official gazette notice is published.
