Glen Innes Severn Council has sacked its general manager, Bernard Smith, as councillors move to take firmer control of an organisation facing a possible Performance Improvement Order (PIO) from the NSW Government.
At its September Ordinary Meeting, the council considered a confidential employment matter and resolved to terminate Mr Smith’s employment and contracts under the relevant provisions of his contract.
The council said it would not comment on the confidential discussion behind the decision because of the personnel and contractual nature of the matter. It thanked Mr Smith for his time and service to Glen Innes Severn and wished him all the best for the future.
The extraordinary events of the last month have revealed a pattern of contempt for elected councillors, similar to the circumstances under which Mr Smith quickly departed Gympie Council, and which landed Port Macquarie Hastings Council in administration under his management.
The sacking comes as the council deals with a proposed Performance Improvement Order from the Office of Local Government, which Mr Smith reportedly knew was in the works for some 18 months but failed to properly divulge to councillors.
The council said the submission prepared after alteration by elected councillors gave a more complete, balanced, and substantiated response than an earlier draft prepared by staff. It included clearer recognition of actions already taken by the elected body, stronger supporting evidence, and clearer qualification of matters still unresolved.
“This was an important example of the elected Council doing its job – scrutinising the information before it, asking whether it was sufficiently complete and supported, and strengthening Council’s position before submission,” Mayor Davis said.
Councillors also noted progress on Financial Sustainability Phase 2, an organisational transformation and performance project that began as a Mayoral Minute.
It aims to bring the council’s financial sustainability, governance, workforce, systems, and delivery priorities together into a single improvement roadmap, with responsibilities, milestones, resources, and measurable outcomes.
“This is about strengthening governance and making sure the elected body has a clear line of sight over delivery,” Mayor Davis said.
The council also confirmed an independent assurance review of Phase 1 of its business system rollout.
The review will look at governance, delivery, system readiness, controls, staff capability, project reporting, and outstanding risks. After advice from the council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, it has been expanded to include how the system is performing now and whether it is suitable.
The council’s 2025-26 financial statements have now been referred to its external auditor, a key step as the council works to move beyond the disclaimer of opinion that has affected recent financial statements.
Acting Chief Financial Officer Mark Compton gave councillors a positive outlook on the work done and the path ahead.
The council also welcomed incoming Chief Financial Officer James Brickley, who brings substantial NSW local government finance experience. Mayor Davis said she hoped the appointment would bring more stability after several acting CFO arrangements over the past 12 months.
“Progressing the financial statements to external audit is an important milestone, but the independent audit process now needs to run its course,” Mayor Davis said.
She said the meeting reflected an elected council actively exercising its strategic and governance responsibilities.
“There has been significant work undertaken and there is still much more to do,” Mayor Davis said.
“Our focus now is on stability, strong governance, organisational improvement and delivery with the elected Council continuing to set direction, seek assurance and hold the organisation accountable for delivering for our community.”
In a genuine moment of recognition of the value of the entire council staff, Council also voted to allow the team to review the work plan and revise with realistic timelines and goals, allowing for the pressure staff had been under in recent times.
Riarna Sheridan has been appointed Acting General Manager while the council recruits an Interim General Manager. Councillors will make the final decision on that appointment after a recruitment and assessment process.
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