Education and Child Development

Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (15:08): My question is to the Premier. What specific qualifications does Mr Rick Persse have that qualify him to be the 10^th chief executive officer for the Department for Education during the term of this government?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (15:09): I think he is generally regarded as one of the finest public servants in a leadership position in the Public Service. I certainly know that the Attorney-General is sad to see him go from his portfolio areas, and he has demonstrated to me that he is a first-class leader of people, which is essentially the issue. He also has been presently supervising the royal commission into child protection and assisting the Attorney in his function in that regard.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Well, the most urgent issue is this next period as we seek to set up the new agency. He will be supervising that process, and I am sure that you will see a fantastic performance from him as chief executive of Education.