LOUISE Rusan’s appointment as Redland City Council’s chief executive officer was confirmed in a decisive vote last year, reflecting strong backing from elected representatives at the time of the decision.
Ms Rusan, who had been serving as acting CEO since September 2024 following the resignation of Andrew Chesterman, was confirmed in the role at a public General Meeting on February 19, 2025.
Deputy Mayor Talty said the decision followed a comprehensive and transparent process.
“Council followed a well-documented and rigorous recruitment process in early 2025 to secure the services of a new Chief Executive Officer,” she said.
“The decision to appoint Louise Rusan is a published council resolution, and was made unanimously, except for one councillor abstaining.”
Local Redland Bayside News understands that the recruitment process began with applications from across the country.
The initial recruiter reduced the field to a smaller group of suitably qualified candidates.
From that pool, five candidates — including Ms Rusan — were selected for formal interview.
The role of the selection panel was to further narrow what had effectively been a field of around 80 applicants down to a shortlist for council to consider.
Following interviews and scoring, Ms Rusan ranked within the top three candidates.
Consistent with standard procedure, the panel referred the highest-ranking interview candidates to councillors for second interview and selection.
After interviewing, councillors determined Ms Rusan was the strongest candidate for the position and resolved to appoint her.
Cr Talty said the appointment followed an extensive search and interview process.
“This appointment was made following a significant recruitment and interview process, and all appropriate procedures followed,” she said.
While questions have since emerged about aspects of the recruitment process — including claims Ms Rusan was not initially shortlisted by a second recruiter engaged later in the process — council has maintained that a “thorough and robust nationwide search” was undertaken and that all appropriate processes were followed.
The first recruiter engaged for the CEO search resigned after a contractual dispute with HR.
That dispute reportedly escalated internally and ultimately resulted in significant workplace tensions.
The fallout contributed to the departure of Executive General Manager Amanda Daly, after what sources described as a prolonged and difficult period.
Despite those disruptions, the formal recruitment process continued with the appointment of a second recruitment firm, panel interviews and proceeded to a council vote.
The formalities of the decision were clear from the outset.
When the vote was tallied, support for Ms Rusan’s appointment was overwhelming, with only one vote counted against the motion.
Cr Paul Bishop sought to abstain from the decision.
Chair Cr Talty advised that under council rules abstentions were not permitted.
“You cannot abstain, Councillor. That is a vote, and it will be recorded in the negative,” she said.
Later, when Cr Bishop reiterated: “I’m choosing to abstain,” Cr Talty responded: “Councillor, you’ve been told multiple times that in local government you cannot abstain… You can say any words you like, but you will be recorded as against.”
Mayor Jos Mitchell, who attended via videolink due to illness, was asked directly for her position after a brief technical interruption.
“We’re voting on the update for the CEO matter — are you for or against mayor?” Cr Talty asked.
“For,” the mayor confirmed.
With the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the affirmative and Cr Bishop recorded against, the motion was carried 10–1 in open session.
At the time, Cr Talty said the outcome reflected confidence in Ms Rusan’s leadership and long service to the organisation.
“It is a credit to Louise that her dedication and excellent leadership within Council over 15 years has been recognised with her selection as CEO,” she said.
This included leading Community and Customer Services, along with previous senior roles at Queensland Motorways and WorkCover Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
