REDLAND City Councillors have voted to approve Mayor Jos Mitchell’s leave of absence for today’s General Meeting, despite a tense debate over medical documentation, pay and the length of her absence.
The 5-4 vote at Wednesday’s council meeting approved leave for the mayor, who has been away from work since March.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said council had received correspondence advising that Mayor Mitchell remained unable to return to work and that her medical leave had been extended until October 31.
Councillor Tracey Huges, who moved the motion, questioned whether councillors had been provided with sufficient information and sought clarification about the option of leave without pay.
“We have received an email containing those words, but we have not seen supporting documentation,” Cr Huges said.
She asked whether council could receive advice on the provisions for taking leave without pay.
CEO Louise Rusan said a councillor could make a request to take leave without pay, while legal officer Andrew Ross said a councillor on extended leave remained entitled to remuneration under the Local Government Act unless they notified council in writing that they wished to take leave without pay.
Cr Rowanne McKenzie also asked whether there was a return-to-work plan for the mayor.
Ms Rusan said council was not yet at that stage.
“We’ve got a request for leave until the 31st of October, and that’s being asked to consider for a leave of absence from the meeting for today,” she said.
Councillor Peter Mitchell said he found it “unusual” that the information had come through third parties rather than directly from the mayor.
“I’m not disputing that information has come through official channels,” he said.
Cr Talty tried to clarify the request.
“It’s just that it didn’t come directly to me from Councillor Mitchell. I have had no correspondence directly,” she said.
Ms Rusan told the meeting she had received a copy of a medical certificate, which had been sent to council.
The motion passed with Councillors Wendy Boglary, Shane Rendalls, Tracey Huges and Paul Bishop, along with Acting Mayor Talty, voting in favour of approving the Mayor’s absence for today’s meeting.
Councillors Peter Mitchell, Paul Gollé, Cr McKenzie and Cr Jason Colley voted against the motion.
