Victorian council CEO quits over vaccination stance

The chief executive of a rural Victorian council has resigned over his COVID-19 vaccination stance.

Swan Hill Rural City Council received a letter of resignation from chief executive officer John McLinden today, Mayor Bill Moar advised this evening in a statement.

"John advised in his letter that as a result of the Chief Health Officers directions, he has been unable to attend the workplace since Friday, 15 October 2021, an arrangement that would be required for an unknown period of time," the statement reads.

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"John feels that as the CEO, in a senior leadership position, he is no longer able to continue in this role, while currently excluded from the workplace."

The statement refers to the Victorian Government's decision to mandate vaccination against COVID-19 for essential workers, which came into effect on October 15.

The Mayor said Mr McLinden had wished the staff, the Council and communities within the municipality all the very best for the future.

"John has made a significant contribution as Council's CEO, for the past five years, during some challenging times. We thank him for his outstanding leadership and we extend our sincere best wishes to John and his family for the future," the statement said.