The general manager of a New South Wales regional council has been sacked, following allegations he called a council worker a "gorilla" during a meeting.
Michael Kitzlemann had been working as the general manager of the council for two and a half years, but was fired by its administrator last week.
The New South Wales Office of Local Government confirmed Mr Kitzlemann's employment was terminated.
"The administrator has informed the Minister for Local Government that he has exercised the council's right to terminate the employment of general manager Michael Kitzelmann," a spokesperson said.
"The administrator of Balranald Shire Council is responsible for appointing a general manager, for monitoring their general manager's performance and where necessary terminating their employment."
In February, contract worker Bayard Tokohihi Heke lodged a racial vilification complaint against the Balranald Shire alleging he was called a "gorilla" by Mr Kitzelmann.
The council's administrator said at the time the matter had been dealt with but Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, asked the Human Rights Commission to investigate how the complaint was handled.
Community 'upset' by events
Ms Dalton said Mr Kitzlemann's sacking was inevitable.
"I think the community know Mr Kitzlemann wasn't the right man for the job," she said.
"I think we've got a long way to go to get the council in shape and this is the first step now.
"A lot of people have been very upset by what has gone on, we need to move on and get the council's books in shape."
Allegations untrue says Kitzlemann
Mr Kitzlemann has consistently rejected the racist allegations, and said he was referring to himself when he made the comment.
"I reject the accusation absolutely," Mr Kitzlemann told the ABC in June.
"It arose from an exchange between myself and another council employee. The remark was intended as jocular. I was referring to myself.
"I offered to apologise for any perceived offence and did so."
Mr Tokohihi Heke has also asked the Anti-Discrimination Commission of New South Wales to become involved.
Council in hot water for years
This was not the first time that the Council has faced management issues.
In January, the entire council was sacked after an inquiry found it had "failed to act as a reasonable employer," with valuable staff having to quit because of the work environment.
An independent commissioner acting for the NSW Government says a "clean break is required" for Balranald Shire Council, with Mike Colreavy appointed as the administrator of the Council and Michael Kitzlemann continuing on as General Manager.
Former Wentworth Shire General Manager Peter Koslowski has been contracted to the role while a permanent replacement is found.
