Human Services Department, Chief Executive Appointment

Ms COOK (Hurtle Vale) (15:21): My question is to the Premier regarding the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Human Services. With your leave and that of the house, sir, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Ms COOK: During the earlier part of this year, Tony Harrison suddenly left his role. This was on 6 March. We are now more than six months down the track and an extensive and comprehensive search for a replacement has occurred. Some three months ago, a recommendation was made to your office for the appointment of the current acting CEO. Why has this not happened?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (15:22): Some of that was accurate. I am happy to answer this question. The reality is that we have been in a global pandemic. This has, I think, taken our focus off the appointment of a permanent head of that department. I can say that the current acting chief executive has been doing a fine job in that time, acting in that capacity. That has been extended, as the member has suggested, but, certainly, we have not formed an opinion as to what we should be doing in that department going forward.