Chief executive Justine Linley announced late Friday, the number of senior officers who report to her will decrease from eight to five.

Ms Linley’s first three months at the helm of the council have been plagued by controversy after it was revealed the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) was investigating accusations a mid level officer – who has since left the organisation – misappropriated funds.

All nine councillors also faced being sacked in the wake of an administrative blunder which saw them fail to sign a code of conduct document within a one month statutory deadline. 

Earlier this month, she pledged to leave no stone unturned in her radical overhaul of the organisation’s internal operations.  

A number of senior officers have left the organisation in the last year including former chief executive Anthony Schinck, major projects and communications executive Jeff Pulford, governance officer Jason Young and city strategy general manager Natalie Reiter. 

These staff will not be replaced.

Chief financial officer Glenn Kallio will be promoted to director of business services which encompasses financial operations, accounting, safety, risk and compliance sectors and human resources.

City services general Terry Demeo will be appointed as infrastructure and environment director. Neville Ivey will remain as people and communities director and Angelique Lush will be appointed as acting development and planning director.

Council’s project strategist Cameron Duthie will be head of the organisation’s policy and innovation portfolio.  Mr Kallio and Mr Duthie will divide the responsibilities once held by the governance officer.

“It is about working smarter and greater accountability,” Ms Linley said. 

When asked if a reduction in senior staff levels would save money, Ms Linley said it was unclear at this stage. 

“It will probably end up being a neutral component,” she said. “The reality is most of the functions (undertaken by former staff) still need to be undertaken albeit they may be undertaken at a lower level.”

Changes come into effect Monday.