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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The council says it is “a highly regarded international program run by Harvard University, specifically designed for local and state government executives”.<\/p>\n
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Sam Johnson joined the council in 2024. (Supplied: Launceston City Council)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In an email sent to councillors, the mayor’s office confirmed Mr Johnson would not be required to take personal leave.<\/p>\n
The ABC understands the council has paid for the course.<\/p>\n
The council has since confirmed its chief executive deferred the course, and would reconsider attending in 2026.<\/p>\n
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The Harvard Kennedy School is one of 10 professional schools within Harvard University in the US. (Supplied: Harvard Kennedy School)<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Councillor Joe Pentridge said he did not recall the course coming before the council.<\/p>\n
“I don’t have a gripe,” he said.<\/p>\n
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Joe Pentridge says he doesn’t believe the trip is a “junket”. (City Of Launceston)<\/p>\n
“I wouldn’t object to anyone improving themselves in the interest of caring for our community.<\/p>\n
“You couldn’t go anywhere better than Harvard, and Harvard’s not cheap.<\/p>\n
“I don’t believe \u2026 this was a junket.”<\/p>\n
The ABC has contacted Mr Johnson, a number of councillors and the mayor for comment.<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
“[It] raises serious concerns about the handling of confidential material, yet again,” he told councillors in an email the council released to the ABC.<\/p>\n
“I have requested our legal team to undertake a thorough review of the situation and provide advice.”<\/p>\n
Harvard Kennedy School is on the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge, in the Greater Boston region. (Supplied: Harvard Kennedy School)<\/p>\n
Community benefit a key concern<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n