Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council boss Kiley Hanslow (left) will not have her contract renewed beyond October amid claims of an “overtime matter” Cape York Weekly understands is being investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission. Photo: Supplied.
The state’s corruption watchdog is refusing to comment on whether it is investigating alleged timesheet discrepancies involving a prominent Cape York council boss.
At a special meeting on 2 July, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council (WWASC) Mayor Alister Gibson sensationally moved a motion that the organisation not renew the contract of its chief executive officer, Kiley Hanslow, beyond 16 October this year.
Following a 42-minute closed session debate, the council also unanimously repealed a decision made at its ordinary meeting on 17 June to “await the outcome of the audit into the overtime matter before deciding on offering a new contract” (for the CEO) and approve “extending the existing contract of employment for the CEO for a further six months from 17 October 2025 until the overtime audit is released and considered by council”.
It is understood the “overtime matter” pertains to claims made by Ms Hanslow on her own timesheets.
Typically, local government executives are not eligible for overtime, but it can vary depending on individual employment contracts and the council’s policies.
A human resources specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in local government recruitment told Cape York Weekly it was “almost unprecedented” a CEO would be claiming overtime as part of their remuneration.
“I can’t remember ever seeing it – I’d suggest it’s almost unprecedented,” they said.
“Senior council staff on fixed-term contracts, particularly CEOs, are generally remunerated accordingly to account for their ineligibility to claim overtime; these executives know that going into these roles.”
One of other resolutions to come out of the 2 July special meeting was that “operations manager Perry Gould or any other council manager cease signing the chief executive officer’s timesheets starting immediately”, and that only Mayor Gibson or Deputy Mayor Claudia Doughboy do so “from this time forward”.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Ms Hanslow started in the role in October 2022, and was described by former mayor Bradley Creek in the organisation’s 2022-23 annual report as “a true force of nature … driven, determined and dedicated with a passion for improving council’s performance and delivery”.
She became a familiar face during the flood chaos that decimated Wujal Wujal in December 2023 as residents first had to evacuate, and then rebuild, their community.
Sources familiar with the situation told Cape York Weekly the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) was leading the investigation into the timesheet claims, however, a CCC spokesperson would not comment on whether the corruption watchdog was involved.
“The Crime and Corruption Commission recognises the important role the media plays in promoting transparency and accountability in government and public institutions,” the spokesperson said.
“The CCC also recognises the need to balance the public’s right to information with the need to protect the integrity of investigations and the privacy of individuals involved.
“On this basis, the CCC does not confirm or comment on any complaint or investigation, referrals to other agencies or matters before the court.”
The organisation is yet to speak publicly on the situation and Mayor Gibson said on 24 July “council cannot comment at this time”.
Ms Hanslow did not respond to requests for comment from Cape York Weekly.
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