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Axed Logan council CEO Kelsey reinstated

The ousted chief executive of the Logan City Council has been reinstated after a ruling from the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

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Source: AAP


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Dumped Logan City Council chief executive Sharon Kelsey has been reinstated to the role following a ruling by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

Ms Kelsey, who was ousted in February when a majority of councillors voted against extending her contract, will return to her job at the council on May 14.

Queensland Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe ordered his director-general to investigate after Ms Kelsey spent just seven months in the job, stating that residents had written to him outlining their concerns following her sacking.

"As far as I know, this type of decision has never been made before in Queensland," Ms Kelsey told The Albert & Logan News after the ruling.

"It's been a long battle but I am now glad to say I can get on with my job."

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Logan Mayor Luke Smith, who excluded himself from the vote on the CEO in February, is currently fighting corruption and perjury charges in relation to a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation that Ms Kelsey co-operated with.

Council received a letter from the CCC warning them that terminating Ms Kelsey could be unlawful, given she had co-operated with the CCC's Operation Belcarra.

The CCC was investigating whether the mayor had influenced development decisions for the benefit of his campaign donors.

Speaking after her axing, Cr Smith insisted that Ms Kelsey's termination was based on performance and had nothing to do with the CCC investigation.

Councillor Darren Power said the chief executive's return would be welcomed amid budget deliberations.

"For the councillors who did not vote against the CCC edict and did not vote to sack Ms Kelsey, this is vindication," he told The Albert & Logan News.


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