Supreme Court Reverses Schneider Sacking
Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur has welcomed a Supreme Court judgement this morning which reinstated Warrnambool City Council CEO Peter Schneider, and found his sacking in July 2020 by a 4-3 vote of councillors to be invalid.
Mrs McArthur said: “I am absolutely delighted by today’s judgement, which is a complete vindication of Mr Schneider and those who have supported him.”
In a media release dated 17 July 2020, she claimed the termination “appears to be unjustified and a serious blight on Warrnambool’s reputation.”
Justice Michael McDonald today ruled the decision to dismiss the CEO failed to satisfy natural justice, was invalid, and therefore required it to be reversed, allowing him to return to his job.
“From the beginning this process appeared to be incredibly irregular. Councillors failed to provide any justification for their decision to sack without notice a highly competent and well-regarded executive. Nor did the immediate internal appointment of an acting CEO give the community any confidence about the propriety of the process.”
“I said at the time that the city’s reputation should always come before any personal vendettas or the petty power struggles of individual staff or councillors. I am hopeful that the situation can now begin to be repaired."
Mrs McArthur went on to praise Mr Schneider’s actions since his sacking last year.
“Peter Schneider has demonstrated commendable dedication to Warrnambool in pursuing this action. He relocated from Perth to take up the position in February 2019, and despite the mistreatment this court judgement proves, he has worked tirelessly not simply to gain a huge financial payoff, but to get back to doing a vital job for the community.”
“I hope that the newly elected councillors can work with him to continue his previous efforts to improve the culture and effectiveness of Warrnambool City Council. Ratepayers deserve a Council which concentrates on delivering services and promoting growth, not engaging in shoddy and unjust backstairs intrigues which cost a fortune in legal fees and do nothing but harm to the Council’s operation and reputation.”
“The reinstatement of Mr Schneider should mark the beginning of a new chapter.”
11 June 2021