The session featured testimony from Councillor Dr Betty Green, with questioning led by Senior Counsel Assisting, Ms T McDonald SC. The focus was on Dr Green’s background, her early experiences as a councillor, and a significant decision regarding the termination of the Council’s CEO in 2022. This summary presents the key details of the hearing and relevant points for the Liverpool community.
Who Was Testifying?
- Councillor Dr Betty Green: Currently a member of Liverpool City Council, Dr Green was elected in December 2021 representing the Australian Labor Party in the South Ward. She holds a PhD, awarded in 2022, and has a professional background in community-based women’s health, focusing on domestic violence support, counselling, and health promotion. Previously trained as a nurse, she also chairs a women’s refuge since 2014, though she no longer works directly in the health sector. Dr Green ran again for councillor and the directly elected mayoral position in September 2025, still under the Labor Party ticket. Her evidence provided insight into her role and decisions during her initial term.
What Was Discussed? Key Points from the Testimony
The Day 27 hearing concentrated on Dr Green’s entry into Council and a critical event at her first meeting. Below are the main topics covered during her testimony:
- Background and Election Details: Dr Green outlined her election on 4 December 2021, with results declared on 23 December 2021, just before Christmas. She took her oath of office on 27 January 2022. No council meetings occurred in January, a typically quiet period for the governing body. She attended a two-day induction at Casula Powerhouse prior to her first meeting, covering topics such as the community strategic plan, code of conduct, code of meeting practice, and introductions to Council directors. Her first official council meeting took place on 2 February 2022.
- Initial Interactions with CEO Dr Eddie Jackson: Dr Green confirmed she had limited contact with the then-CEO, Dr Eddie Jackson, prior to her first council meeting. She met him briefly during the oath-taking ceremony and had short conversations at the induction sessions. She had no prior dealings with him before her election, indicating minimal personal knowledge of his role or performance at that stage.
- Termination of CEO at First Meeting: A significant focus of the testimony was the council meeting on 2 February 2022, where a mayoral minute (designated Mayor 05, titled “Personnel Matter”) proposed terminating Dr Jackson’s contract effective 11 February 2022, under a clause allowing termination without cause. Reviewed in the meeting minutes , this item was addressed at the end of a long session, with the meeting closing at 11:06 PM. Dr Green, participating via live stream due to having contracted COVID, stated she had no prior recollection of knowing this motion would be raised, though she noted hearing vague rumours. She was not aware of the specific contract clause at the time, given her newness to the role.
- Dr Green’s Response and Vote: During the meeting, Dr Green spoke against the motion to terminate Dr Jackson’s employment, expressing confusion over the lack of information or reasoning provided to justify the decision. The minutes (page 55) record her as the first name among those voting against the motion, while a majority voted in favour. She recalled the mayoral minute being presented during the meeting, possibly for the first time to her, as she was not physically present and relied on the live stream.
Key Points of Interest for Residents
The following aspects of Dr Green’s testimony are particularly relevant to Liverpool residents and ratepayers, presented in a balanced manner:
- CEO Termination Process: The decision to terminate Dr Eddie Jackson’s contract at the first meeting of the new Council term on 2 February 2022 raises questions about the decision-making process. Dr Green’s lack of prior knowledge and her vote against the motion suggest that not all councillors were fully informed or in agreement. Residents may be concerned about how such a significant decision, impacting the leadership responsible for Council operations funded by rates, was handled, especially if introduced late in a meeting without detailed justification.
- Councillor Preparedness and Induction: Dr Green’s attendance at a two-day induction highlights efforts to prepare new councillors for their roles. However, her uncertainty about the contractual clause and the sudden nature of the termination motion indicate potential gaps in readiness for major decisions early in the term. Residents might consider whether adequate support and information are provided to ensure councillors can make informed choices on behalf of the community.
- Transparency in Council Decisions: The late introduction of the mayoral minute and Dr Green’s reliance on live stream participation due to illness point to challenges in ensuring all councillors have equal access to information. For residents, this underscores the importance of transparency and communication within Council, ensuring that decisions affecting community services and ratepayer funds are openly discussed and justified.
Broader Context and Implications
Day 27’s testimony provides a window into the early dynamics of the 2021-elected Liverpool City Council, particularly around a pivotal leadership change. The termination of the CEO, Dr Eddie Jackson, as described by Dr Green, reflects differing views among councillors and potential procedural concerns. For the Liverpool community, this evidence contributes to ongoing discussions about accountability and effective governance within the Council, as the inquiry seeks to assess whether processes align with public interest and statutory obligations.
