I AM appalled by the behaviour of Mr. Chapman.
Whether he likes it or not he is in a paid master/servant relationship. He is the servant. He has no right to criticise his employer in the public arena. He has a duty to advise privately AND in terms of BEST PRACTICE, and in the event of criminal activity a public breach of confidentiality might be protected under “whistleblower” legislation.
That is not the case here. Nor are his actions exemplary of either BEST PRACTICE or APPROPRIATE PRACTICE.
Secure and confident as he seems with his further five years of tenure. I would argue that such a fundamental breach of his duty is serious enough to warrant summary dismissal with loss of allowances and benefits.
Mayor Overall, I would suggest you re-read his terms of employment and do what should be done in these cases. Personally I would sack him, with prejudice. No reference. No excuses. Mr Chapman has held this public office paid for from the public purse for long enough to understand his responsibilities, and has chosen to ignore them.
Is this arrogance? Incompetence? Or has he been in the job too long?
Ross Bills, Queanbeyan