Gold Coast CEO's resignation blamed on 'unrelenting personal attacks'

The sudden resignation of Gold Coast Council's chief executive, Tim Baker, has been attributed by a veteran councillor to a "deliberate campaign of unrelenting personal attacks." Councillor Peter Young stated that Baker's departure from Australia's second-largest council was a "very bad outcome for the City." Cr Young defended Baker, describing him as a "tremendously capable administrator, very honest and reliable and motivated." He added that Baker had been "wrongly accused of many wrongdoings" in his role overseeing the implementation of council decisions. Baker himself abruptly announced his resignation, citing an inability to commit long-term after family discussions. He had approximately two years remaining on his contract, which carried an annual salary exceeding $700,000. Baker's tenure, beginning in 2021, involved a significant restructure of the City of Gold Coast. This included establishing council-controlled entities like Invest Gold Coast to attract new businesses and overseeing the development of a $1.6 billion Advanced Resource Recovery Centre, intended to be Queensland's first waste-to-energy facility. However, he also faced public scrutiny regarding international travel expenses. A February report revealed Baker and a staff member spent $54,000 on a week-long trip to the United Kingdom in 2025, which some councillors deemed "exorbitant." An additional $46,000 was spent on staff travel beyond initial disclosures. Despite the controversies, Councillor Glenn Tozer praised Baker on social media, stating he "served the city with integrity and professionalism." Tozer suggested Baker had been subjected to "misplaced criticism" and highlighted achievements under his leadership, including establishing an environment department, commencing a nature-based tourism program, and significant investment in sports and leisure facilities. Acting Mayor Mark Hammel confirmed earlier this month that he would propose an independent performance review of senior executive positions, including Baker's. Hammel stated that Baker sought external legal advice regarding the review, but "no issues" prevented it from proceeding. Hammel emphasized the review's importance, stating it "is more important than ever" and should continue despite Baker's departure.

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a deliberate campaign of unrelenting personal attacks