City chief executive will not renew contract past March 2027, remains on personal leave since November

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder chief executive Andrew Brien will not renew his contract — which expires in March 2027 — and is yet to provide a return-to-work date from his extended personal leave. The city council considered six confidential items at its Monday night meeting, including the contract renewal for Mr Brien, and the appointment of acting chief executive Mal Osborne. At the conclusion of the confidential debate — which went for just more than two hours — mayor Glenn Wilson provided a summary of the council’s decisions for each item. He told the community Mr Brien did not intend to seek renewal of his contract past its expiry in March 2027, and the council had unanimously asked Mr Osborne to prepare a report to the council with information and planning for the recruitment of a new chief executive. The report, expected to be tabled at the March or April ordinary meeting, will outline how much money will be needed, the proposed recruitment process and recommendations on engagement of an independent consultant. The council also unanimously approved extending Mr Osborne’s acting chief executive contract by one more month to March 27, 2026. The terms of his contract were also amended by a variation of employment contract outlined in a confidential attachment. A statement issued by the city after the meeting said it appreciated Mr Brien’s early notification as it provided “valuable time” for succession planning and supported a “considered and well-structured” transition process. Mr Brien has been on extended personal leave since November 26, with Mr Osborne acting in the role since January 30. The city’s 2024-25 annual report states Mr Brien earns an annual salary of $363,946.80, plus superannuation of $45,303.96 and other allowances and entitlements of $76,592.04 for a total package of $485,842.80. During Monday night’s meeting, councillors also discussed another confidential item, titled “deferred CEO request”, which was listed as confidential due to it being a matter affecting an employee. Cr Ric Halse left the room after declaring a financial interest. The council vote was tied 4-4 before Mr Wilson used his casting vote in favour of the amended recommendation. The recommendation noted a request of Mr Brien and authorised Mr Brien to be advised of the outcome. Cr Halse remained out of the room for the final confidential item titled “policy requests”, listed as confidential because of the “personal affairs of any person”, which saw the council unanimously defer making a decision on two applications to April. Another item titled “request to write-off interest for overdue payments” — listed as confidential because if disclosed it would reveal information about the business, professional, commercial or financial affairs of a person — was lost 6-3.