LAWYERS engaged to lead a review into Playford Council’s hiring processes have found chief executive officer Sam Green was “transparent and proper” when appointing highly-paid executives late last year.

The independent review was ordered after Mr Green revealed in April he had entered into a romantic relationship with finance manager Grace Pelle, leading to the latter resigning.

Mrs Pelle was one of several high-earning general managers appointed in late 2019, with her salary reaching $225,000 a year.

Law firm Norman Waterhouse Lawyers presented the findings of its investigation during a confidential session at council’s ordinary meeting last Tuesday.

A statement from deputy mayor Marilyn Baker – who chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Glenn Docherty – said the review found the hiring process was “robust and transparent”.

“An independent legal review into senior executive appointments by the chief executive officer Sam Green, finds that all were transparent and proper,” she said.

Elected members moved “…that the process for recruiting general managers undertaken late in 2019 was robust and transparent and resulted in the appointment of the best candidates in the selection process,” and “council continues to express full confidence in the CEO and how he is managing the business of council”.

Councillors were ordered to return copies of the report to Norman Waterhouse at the conclusion of the meeting.

The report’s contents, and the discussion made during the confidential meeting session remain secret.