Shire sacks officer after complaint

The Shire of Denmark has sacked former infrastructure services director Rob Whooley, whose employment contract was terminated on Friday.

Shire chief executive Dale Stewart said the termination followed an internal disciplinary review process.

"It is with regret that the Shire has had to terminate the director's employment under these or any circumstances, having brought so much value to the organisation over his nine-year term," he said.

"However, the Shire is satisfied that his serious breaches of his employment contract have made continuing the employment relationship untenable, and the Shire wishes the director all the best for his future endeavours."

The move comes after Mr Whooley was suspended on May 18 and lodged a complaint to the Minister for Local Government Tony Simpson on May 22, which a Department for Local Government and Communities spokesman confirmed was being investigated last week.

Mr Whooley, who has worked for the Shire since 2005, said he was "stunned" to learn he had been fired on Monday, after his work mobile phone was disconnected on Friday.

"I just can't believe it," he said.

"I was sent an email between 1pm and 4pm on Friday saying I had been terminated, which I didn't receive until Monday morning because of internet access at my home.

"It just seems cowardly."

Mr Whooley said he "absolutely" stands by his allegations against the Shire in his complaint, which he claims is "being governed on the basis of fear and intimidation, which permeates deep into the workforce, councillors and the community".

"I am an honest person and I stand by what I have said," he said.

"The town does not deserve to be governed this way.

"My job is gone but, regardless of my dismissal, this is not about me - it is about the town and community."

Shire president Ross Thornton has emphatically denied the allegations made against the Shire; however the Albany Advertiser understands there is discontent among residents and business owners.

Denmark Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Beverley Ford has called a special general meeting for Monday after 15 members expressed concerns over the Shire's community engagement.

"I understand their concerns are largely around community engagement with the Shire," she said.