HILLTOPS General manager Anthony McMahon has sought to put to rest malicious rumours regarding his recent leave.
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Mr McMahon said the extended leave he recently took was not stress related
"I have recently been on two separate periods of sick leave and during that time spent a total of approximately four weeks in hospital in Canberra with two weeks of that time in intensive care," he said.
"I have been diagnosed with a blood-related autoimmune condition that was causing major respiratory problems which is now being adequately managed with the correct medication. So the leave was definitely not stress related.
"During my period of sick leave and including my time in intensive care I was still fortunate to be able to continue to support the Administrator and Council's Executive team with Council business through technology such as emails and mobile phones."
Mr McMahon said in future he won’t be making it known publicly when he is on leave.
"I will keep it to myself when I am having leave and why I am taking it, however, the people that need to know will continue to know," he said.
Mr McMahon said also sought to address accusations he is too young and inexperienced for the role of General Manager.
"Over an eight-year period I completed a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with honours and a Masters of Management, both through the University of Wollongong," he said.
"Whilst I studied, I initially worked for an Engineering consultancy doing mainly design, project and contract management.
"In 2008 I moved into Local Government as Project Engineer with Eurobodalla Shire Council before becoming Assistant General Manager at Boorowa in 2011 and General Manager in 2013. I personally don't believe that age is a precursor to competence or capability and that applies to both ends of the spectrum. In other words, I don't think anyone should be judged on being too young or too old to do anything."
Mr McMahon also quashed speculation he is being paid too highly for his role.
"I consider myself fortunate to be in a role that I enjoy, that I get remunerated well for and that allows me to live in a place I enjoy living," he said.
"The reality is that I am paid what the market value is for people doing this type of role and if I wasn’t doing it here I’d be doing it somewhere else because it is what I enjoy doing.
"If it wasn’t me here doing it the Council would be paying someone else the same amount for the role."
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
