Appointment of Metropolitan Cemeteries and Crematoria Administrator
The NSW Government is working to address the critical shortage of burial space in Sydney that was the result of the former Government’s indecision and infighting.
Last week the NSW Government released an audit which highlighted the dire situation the sector is facing, and announced its decision to amalgamate the Rookwood General, Northern Metropolitan and Southern Metropolitan Crown cemetery land managers.
Today the NSW Government is taking another step forward by announcing the Administrator for the amalgamated entity, Metropolitan Cemeteries and Crematoria Land Manager (MCC). The Administrator will oversee the amalgamation of the three Crown operators and delivery of services until a skills-based board can be recruited.
Ken Morrison was deemed the successful candidate for the role through a merit-based, open selection process supported by executive recruitment firm Meritos.
Ken has a proven record of positive organisational change and stakeholder engagement, and also a deep proficiency in business strategy, including financial management. Serving the Property Council of Australia for more than 10 years, Ken has a wealth of knowledge in the complex policy areas associated with land, such as planning, urban renewal and asset management.
This decision highlights the NSW Government’s intent to provide a fresh start for the cemeteries sector, provide the industry with certainty and to ensure the people of NSW’s burial needs are met.
NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“I would first like to thank Lee Shearer for her work, she has had led OneCrown through tough times of indecision and has been a fierce advocate for action and a champion for OneCrown’s frontline staff who do an incredible job.”
“We said we would undertake a transparent process to appoint an administrator once the current term finished. Today we have delivered.”
“We have committed to the model. We have committed to our team. We now look forward to getting on with the job and working collaboratively to fix the mess that the former Government left behind.”