Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has declared she has "lost all confidence" in Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White and Council after the appointment of Andrew Constance as the new Chief Executive Officer, saying it "smacks of political bastardry".

The Mayor announced on Tuesday afternoon that the former NSW Treasurer had won the race to fill the CEO vacancy.

After Robyn Stevens resigned in November 2024, James Ruprai held the role for eight months in an acting capacity before he also quit and Brian Barrett has filled in as an interim CEO since 31 July.

Phillips issued a statement to say that she would be raising her concerns about Constance's lack of experience at local government level with NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig.

"Because of that decision, I have lost all confidence in the Shoalhaven Mayor and Shoalhaven City Council, and will be writing to the NSW Minister for Local Government with my concerns," she said.

"Mr Constance has no local government employment experience."

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has gone into bat for Constance, accusing Labor of hypocrisy.

"That's a nonsense assessment. Andrew Constance is a former treasurer, a former Transport Minister working at the highest levels of government.

"If the Member for Gilmore is concerned about jobs for the boys, she should be talking about Josh Murray," he said in reference to the appointment of former Premier Morris Iemma's old chief of staff to an executive role with Transport for NSW in 2023.

"He has exceptional skills, a Minister, a Treasurer at the most senior levels of government, he is the product of an executive search, and I understand the decision is the result of that executive search, a competitive process, and he has come out as the best candidate."

Phillips narrowly beat Constance in the 2022 federal election in a cliffhanger before the Labor incumbent won comfortably over her Liberal rival in May.

Constance then announced he would be stepping away from politics but after what Cr White described as "a comprehensive recruitment process led by Council and supported by independent advisors, Stephen Blackadder Consulting", he will jump into the hot seat in Shoalhaven.

"During the 2025 federal election, the Shoalhaven Mayor, Councillor Selena Clancy and Councillor Jason Cox were actively supporting Andrew Constance," Phillips added.

"This smacks of political bastardry - there must have been other applicants on the merit list with local government employment experience.

"It reeks of 'jobs for Liberal mates', and does not pass the pub test.

"It is certainly not in the best interests of Shoalhaven ratepayers."

Shoalhaven Councillor Bob Proudfoot aired his concerns on ABC Illawarra on Wednesday morning by saying

"I do have concerns, I really do. I have concerns about conflicts of interest," he said.

"There were certainly some political conflicts of interest that I believe maybe should be examined.

"I believe that there were candidates there that fitted the role more appropriately simply because of their local government experience."

Cr White said Constance brought more than 18 years of public service experience to the role, including as the NSW Member for Bega from 2003 to 2021 and holding several senior ministerial portfolios such as Treasurer of NSW, finance, transport and roads, industrial relations, ageing and disability services.

"Andrew’s commitment to the Shoalhaven and his proven leadership make him an outstanding choice to guide our organisation,” the Mayor said in her announcement.

“His deep understanding of regional issues, infrastructure, and community engagement positions him strongly to lead the Council into its next chapter.

“We look forward to working with him to realise a bold vision for Shoalhaven - one that champions long-term financial sustainability while shaping a thriving, inclusive future for our entire community,” she said.

Constance formally begins his new role next week and Cr White paid tribute to Barrett for his recent efforts on an interim basis.

“On behalf of Council, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Mr Barrett for his leadership over the past few months,” Cr White said.

“Stepping into the role during a challenging period, he’s made some tough but necessary decisions that have helped steady the organisation and set us on a clearer path forward.

"His commitment and professionalism have been greatly appreciated."