Andrew Constance Finally Wins
Here's a press release that's been a long time coming. It's taken a year, but Shoalhaven Council has a new CEO in Andrew Constance.
Mr Constance once swore off politics, declared his dedication to climate change solutions and resigned from a long career in Liberal State ministries to enter the Federal game.
But, after losing two Gilmore elections (and a senate selection), he's now trying his luck in Local Government on the administrative side of public service - an appointment that is supposed to be entirely non-political in an organisation on the financial and cultural brink of being handed to an Office of Local Government administrator.
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Mr Constance, and his enthusiastic advocate, Mayor White, must be relieved.
He was not the ideal choice of councillors or the selection committee. Who was first offered the annual $400,000 plus top job, and why that person declined, is yet to be revealed. That drama played out behind the scenes in "confidential session" from which ratepayers are excluded.
Mayor Patricia White has today announced Andrew Constance as Chief Executive Officer of Council.
Published by Shoalhaven City Council on 30 September 2025
Mr Constance brings more than 18 years of public service experience to the role, including as the NSW Member for Bega from 2003 to 2021 and holding several senior ministerial portfolios such as Treasurer of NSW, finance, transport and roads, industrial relations, ageing and disability services.
"Andrew’s commitment to the Shoalhaven and his proven leadership make him an outstanding choice to guide our organisation,” said Mayor Patricia White.
“His deep understanding of regional issues, infrastructure, and community engagement positions him strongly to lead the Council into its next chapter.
“We look forward to working with him to realise a bold vision for Shoalhaven — one that champions long-term financial sustainability while shaping a thriving, inclusive future for our entire community."
The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process led by Council and supported by independent advisors, Stephen Blackadder Consulting (SBC).
“We were incredibly impressed by the depth and diversity of talent that applied for the CEO role. After a rigorous and competitive selection process, we’re confident that the successful candidate is the best possible choice,” said SBC Managing Director, Stephen Blackadder.
Mr Constance formally begins next week, with Brian Barrett stepping away from the interim CEO role he has performed for the past two months.
“On behalf of Council, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Mr Barrett for his leadership over the past few months,” Cr White said.
“Stepping into the role during a challenging period, he’s made some tough but necessary decisions that have helped steady the organisation and set us on a clearer path forward. His commitment and professionalism have been greatly appreciated.”
Previous Spark analysis of this saga here.
(Excerpt below, July 23, 2025)
Spark Shoalhaven
Really, Andrew Constance?
Speaking of environmentalists, Andrew Constance has applied to become Shoalhaven City Council CEO.
It's hard to imagine the SIG-stacked selection committee employing someone who described himself as a moderate-progressive and said publicly, after losing the last Federal election in May, that the Liberal Party "should be a pro-environment party."
Constance would, however, share a love of road building with SIG councillors. And he already has some close interactions with potential chamber mates.
During the recent Federal campaign, Constance teamed up with Mayor Patricia White and Cr. Selena Clancy for a Liberal Party photo-op to pledge $1.2m for a new St George's Basin SES headquarters, if he won the election.
Luckily for those dedicated SES volunteers, South Coast MP, Liza Butler, had confirmed on the organisation's social media back in January that the money for the new building had already been secured and that building works were "just waiting on SCC to allocate the land behind the Ambulance Station".
But wait, there's more.
Constance, with Peter Dutton, pledged $3.5 million to build the Bob Proudfoot Pavilion at Francis Ryan Reserve in Sanctuary Point. That's Cr Bob Proudfoot, who took Cr. Matt Norris' place on the CEO selection committee.
Cr. Clancy, also on the CEO selection committee, was famously present at Sanctuary Point urging local footie club kids to shout down the anti-nuclear protest stunt that ruined a Constance media moment.
Andrew Constance held the seat of Bega for 17 years and was a cabinet minister for more than 10 years, so he is due a sizeable parliamentary pension in four years time when he turns 55.
What Shoalhaven City Council really needs is not a "name" but an intelligent, experienced manager who understands the intricacies and legalities of applying the Local Government Act to a large public service organisation carrying a massive debt.
Whoever gets the job might seek advice from Kiama Council CEO, Jane Stroud, who was mentioned by some for Shoalhaven, as her experience running a council operating under a Performance Improvement Order might prove pertinent.
Hopefully the SCC selection committee members are keenly aware that staying within the legal boundaries of council powers and ensuring due process to avoid maladministration could be the difference between council staying afloat or being placed into administration.
Central Coast, Balranald and Botany Bay are all examples of councils that were dismissed, merged or placed into administration following financial mismanagement, governance failures, planning breaches, improper conduct or staff conflict.
Running a council is definitely serious, even though it isn't a business.
Spark Shoalhaven
