Anthony McMahon is back in the chair as Hilltops Council GM and the council continues to function in an efficient manner according to Mrs Tuckerman.

Mr McMahon has recently been on sick leave and during that time Lee Furness, Council’s executive director corporate and community was acting as general manager. 

Mrs Tuckerman said Mr McMahon returned to work on Tuesday, April 18 and his absence did not "double" the GM’s positions weekly salary.

"The General Manager is entitled to take sick leave and annual leave," she said.

"The General Manager wasn’t replaced, the Executive Director capably fulfilled the role during his absence and as entitled received a higher duty allowance whilst fulfilling not only her role but the added responsibilities of the General Manager’s role.

"But claims that the General Manager’s absence on sick leave doubled the GM’s positions weekly salary are misleading." 

The General Manager receives a salary of approximately $272,900 per annum which is more than $5000 per week and Mrs Tuckerman slammed speculation on social media that his salary was too high.

"When considering the remuneration I undertook an independent remuneration review which analysed the role to establish work value," she said.

"That assessment included market remuneration analysis using the work value of the role as the basis of comparison.

"The salary is not relative to population but rather the complexity of the role, the former General Manager of Young Council was receiving a remuneration of $250,000.

“In comparison, the work value of the role of the General Manager’s position of the Hilltops Council would indicate the assessment undertaken using an independent evaluation system provided a sound, consistent and reliable basis for ascertaining the jobs worth."