REDLAND City councillors have moved to back chief executive Louise Rusan as debate continues over the recruitment process that led to her appointment.
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said councillors had confidence in Ms Rusan’s leadership and the national search process that led to her selection.
“Council undertook a rigorous, transparent and well-documented process to appoint the Chief Executive Officer,” Cr Talty said.
“Since her appointment in February 2025, Louise Rusan has provided strong and capable leadership of Council and has delivered professional, independent and frank advice to elected councillors, as required under the Local Government Act.
“Ms Rusan has my confidence, and I believe she also has the confidence of councillors.”
A Redland City Council spokesperson said recruitment and procurement processes were confidential but maintained the appointment process complied with legislation.
“The recruitment process for the appointment of the current Redland City Council CEO was consistent with the principles of the Local Government Act 2009 and the process determined by Council at a Special Meeting on 14 November 2024,” the spokesperson said.
“Council undertook a thorough nationwide search, and all appropriate processes were followed.
“An independent legal service supported the process, and all governance and conflict-of-interest requirements were met.”
The comments come as councillor Wendy Boglary confirmed she had sought advice from internal audit and risk officials during the recruitment process, saying councillors must be able to raise concerns without fear of repercussions.
“Confidential council information is continually ‘leaked’, including photos and reports such as the project validation report concerning the whitewater rafting facility, yet no one is held accountable,” she said.
“If any councillor has concerns or questions regarding any process, we have the right to seek advice.
“Councillors, including myself, should be comfortable in this process regarding confidentiality and not have to be fearful of repercussions.”
Her comments come amid ongoing debate about the recruitment process and Mayor Jos Mitchell’s call for an independent investigation.
Cr Boglary said the mayor was entitled to pursue a review.
“The mayor has the right, as does anyone, to use the avenues available for reviews of any council process,” she said.
The controversy follows a confidential report revealing council’s search for a new chief executive was thrown into turmoil after the recruitment firm hired to run the process was accused of bypassing council officers, breaching its contract and potentially misleading candidates.
Council engaged recruitment firm Leading Roles on a $36,850 contract to manage the national search following the resignation of former chief executive Andrew Chesterman.
However, council officers later alleged the firm failed to follow agreed communication protocols and instead communicated directly with Mayor Mitchell rather than the council’s nominated contact officer, Executive Group Manager People, Culture and Organisational Performance Amanda Daly.
Officers claimed candidate information packs were sent to the mayor but not initially provided to council staff.
In a letter to the recruiter, Ms Daly said the firm had failed to follow those instructions and appeared to misunderstand its brief.
“Leading Roles fundamentally appears to have failed to appreciate who its client was, and that panel make-up and recruitment process information belonged to Council, for determination by councillors,” the letter stated.
Tensions escalated on November 7, 2024, when the recruiter emailed panel members explaining it had excluded Ms Daly from candidate information packs due to what it described as a potential conflict of interest.
The email suggested the mayor would determine who received the information.
Minutes later the mayor responded that she would pause the recruitment process while internal clarification and external legal advice were obtained.
Council officers disputed the recruiter’s concerns, saying the recruitment panel composition had already been determined by councillors and legal advice had previously been obtained.
Despite attempts to obtain recruitment records so the process could continue, Leading Roles informed council on November 11, 2024, it was withdrawing from the project.
Council officers later warned communications sent by the recruiter to applicants after its withdrawal risked damaging council’s reputation and discouraging candidates.
Officers subsequently demanded the firm provide applications and candidate contact details so the recruitment process could continue.
The report states council paid $11,166.67 to the recruiter for the initial stage of the work.
Council later engaged executive recruitment firm Sharp & Carter to complete the process, supported by external legal advisers.
Ms Rusan was appointed chief executive in February 2025.
Cr Talty said Ms Rusan had demonstrated her capability since taking on the role.
“Ms Rusan was appointed following a competitive national recruitment process and has demonstrated her capability and suitability through her leadership, including during significant organisational and community challenges such as the Tropical Cyclone Alfred response,” she said.
Cr Boglary said council should now refocus on delivering for the community.
“I am frustrated by the politics, in my opinion inappropriate behaviour and ‘off community focus’ that I have witnessed for over a decade,” she said.
“Just imagine what could be achieved for Redlands if all this energy and time was focused on delivering, transparently and accountably, for that future.”
The council spokesperson said anyone with evidence of impropriety should refer it to the appropriate authority.
Mark Ogston from Leading Roles said he would not comment on confidential processes or current or past clients.
Mayor Mitchell was on leave and did not respond to requests for comment.
