Media response - CEO appointment

Published on 14 January 2026

Enquiry - The Westport News (NZ)

I understand the council held an in confidence special meeting about CEO recruitment yesterday evening. Can you please tell me the purpose and outcomes of that meeting? Was the meeting called by elected members?

There is some public commentary about the recruitment process used to appoint Sharon Mason. Can you please tell me:

Is it correct that councillors had only an hour to view applicants' CVs and were permitted only one question? If so, why?

  • Is it correct that Mrs Mason's salary will be $405,000 a year plus up to $20,000 in relocation costs?
  • When is Mrs Mason due to start?
  • What type of background checking was done before the appointment was made?
  • What is the term of a CEO appointment in Onkaparinga?
  • Anything else interesting or important?

Response

Ms Mason will commence as CEO of the City of Onkaparinga on 16 February.

Our Director Community, Jani Baker, will serve as interim CEO until Ms Mason’s arrival.

Council undertook an independent CEO recruitment process supported by an experienced executive search firm.

Council is confident that the recruitment process applied was appropriate, consistent with sector standards, and supported sound governance and probity principles.

Ms Mason will receive a total remuneration package of $405k, plus a maximum one-off allowance for relocation capped at $20,000, with no entitlement to the full allowance amount if costs are lower.

The salary bands for council CEOs are not set by councils.

These are set by the independent South Australian Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

The City of Onkaparinga is the largest metro council in SA and is classified as a Band 1 council due to its size, operating revenue and population.

Councils must comply with Tribunal determinations and seek the Tribunal’s guidance on any complex calculations.

Other specific details regarding employment contracts are not shared publicly.

A confidential meeting to discuss the CEO Recruitment was held last night.

ENDS

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