A Tasmanian council has been criticised for funding a professional development course at one of the world’s most prestigious universities for its chief executive officer.
Late last year, the City of Launceston endorsed a personal performance plan for chief executive Sam Johnson, which included a “Harvard experience” course costing $27,690 (US$18,000), including meals and all but two nights’ accommodation.
The council says it is “a highly regarded international program run by Harvard University, specifically designed for local and state government executives”.
Sam Johnson joined the council in 2024. (Supplied: Launceston City Council)
It said the course included access to the best in local and state government management, the opportunity to network with senior public sector leaders from around the world, and “strengthened leadership capacity” to innovate and deliver for constituents.
In an email sent to councillors, the mayor’s office confirmed Mr Johnson would not be required to take personal leave.
The ABC understands the council has paid for the course.
The council has since confirmed its chief executive deferred the course, and would reconsider attending in 2026.
The Harvard Kennedy School is one of 10 professional schools within Harvard University in the US. (Supplied: Harvard Kennedy School)
“The chief executive chose to defer his participation in this year’s course due to concerns at that time relating to councillor interactions with operational staff,” a spokesperson said.
The ABC asked the council if flights and other costs had also been paid for, how much it had spent in total, and if any of that money could be recouped, but it did not respond.
Councillor Joe Pentridge said he did not recall the course coming before the council.
“I don’t have a gripe,” he said.
Joe Pentridge says he doesn’t believe the trip is a “junket”. (City Of Launceston)
“I wouldn’t object to anyone improving themselves in the interest of caring for our community.
“You couldn’t go anywhere better than Harvard, and Harvard’s not cheap.
“I don’t believe … this was a junket.”
The ABC has contacted Mr Johnson, a number of councillors and the mayor for comment.
In an email to councillors, Mr Johnson said the leaking of details regarding his employment, following his personal performance plan being endorsed in a closed session of council, was “extremely disappointing”.
“[It] raises serious concerns about the handling of confidential material, yet again,” he told councillors in an email the council released to the ABC.
“I have requested our legal team to undertake a thorough review of the situation and provide advice.”
Harvard Kennedy School is on the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge, in the Greater Boston region. (Supplied: Harvard Kennedy School)
Community benefit a key concern
Responding to a question from the public in the August council agenda requesting the expense be justified, the council said it would deliver “tangible benefits” to the community.
“The City of Launceston, like many organisations, recognises that professional development is an essential component of maintaining effective leadership, ensuring contemporary governance practices, and positioning the organisation to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities,” it read.
“As part of the chief executive officer’s employment contract, council has a responsibility to provide for ongoing executive-level professional development.
“This is a common and accepted practice across local government and the broader public sector, reflecting the need for senior executives to remain informed, skilled, and connected to best practice.”
The Harvard Kennedy School’s website says its on-campus course participants have access to a range of out-of-classroom debates and lectures. (Supplied: Harvard Kennedy School)
Launceston Council recently adopted a 5.7 per cent general rates increase for the 2025-26 financial year.
President of the Tasmanian Ratepayers Association Lionel Morrell said $27,000 was not a small amount of money when pressure was mounting on household budgets.
“The poor ratepayer is bombarded by cost of living to the point of being virtually in the foetal position,” he said.
Mr Morrell did not believe the Launceston community would benefit from the course.
“It goes beyond the pale and does not pass the pub test,” he said.
“But what can we do about it?”
Mick Tucker says it is appropriate for councils to invest in staff professional development. (ABC News: Emily Smith)
Local Government Association of Tasmania president Mick Tucker said while it was an individual council matter, he strongly supported professional development for councillors, staff and managers.
“I wouldn’t say it’s inappropriate in any way,” he said.
“I understand a lot of people will think that’s an awful lot of money, and let’s be honest, it is.
“To be relevant and to be right up to today’s standard of legislation, which is a moving feast, professional development [and] how you handle that is very important.”
Mr Tucker said investing in staff would encourage better quality candidates at council elections, and ratepayers would likely get a “higher performing council”.