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SUSPENDED Central Goldfields Shire chief executive Mark Johnston has resigned.
The shire announced on Monday it had received Mr Johnston’s formal resignation.
Mr Johnston was stood down indefinitely from his position following a meeting of former shire councillors behind closed doors in July.
Mr Johnston is facing 41 charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception, false accounting and conflict of interest brought by the Local Government Inspections and Compliance Inspectorate.
Mr Johnston was stood down on full pay and entitlements, and when informed of the decision stated categorically that he was innocent and would fight the charges.
The former council’s decision, which was not unanimous, was guided by legal advice from Macquarie Local Government Lawyers solicitor Terry Bramham.
The state government has since sacked the Central Goldfields Shire Council and the shire has been placed in administration.
Mr Johnston served as Central Goldfields Shire Chief Executive Officer for 22 years.
Central Goldfields Shire Interim administrator Mark Davies, who started in his role today, wished Mr Johnston well for the future.
He confirmed Mr Johnston did not seek any financial settlement or conditions in the terms of his resignation, which was effective immediately.
“The process to recruit a new permanent chief executive officer can now be initiated,’’ Mr Davies said.
“I will commence this process as a matter of priority so that we can continue the momentum of our Interim CEO Vince Haining in ensuring the positive direction of Central Goldfields Shire.”
The charges against Mr Johnston are the first to be laid under the Crimes Act against a current CEO in Victoria.