Question Time

NORTHERN CONNECTIONS OFFICE

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (15:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Public Sector Management a question concerning the recruitment process for the position of Director of the Northern Connections Office.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: The position of Director of the Northern Connections Office, which comes with a six-figure salary, was filled by the former Labor MP and minister Ms Lea Stevens on 31 January 2011. However, a handwritten note obtained by the opposition on an email from the deputy chief executive's office, dated 9 December 2010, states, 'Lea Stevens, 31 January 2011 start.'

The email was sent to departmental officers who were involved in the recruitment process more than a week before the interviews for the job took place. In fact, there were six applicants. The other candidates went through the process in good faith, not knowing that the email had confirmed the start date for Ms Stevens. Ms Stevens did in fact start her new position on 31 January 2011. The DPLG website states:

Our culture enables us to maintain credibility, integrity and trust with all stakeholders.

I am also advised that the position has a tenure of five years. My questions are:

1. Does the minister agree that the appointment procedure may have given the impression of favouring Labor mates at the expense of other genuine candidates?

2. Does the minister agree that the appointment procedure could undermine the confidence in the independence of the public sector and send the wrong message and that therefore this procedure must be investigated?

3. Does the minister agree that the appointment procedure is cause for concern about the probity of the recruitment process?

4. Can the minister confirm the salary package and the tenure of five years?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:20): This is what we have come to see on a regular basis in this place, isn't it, Mr President—snide innuendo, trying to discredit the good name of very good people and trying to discredit the reputation of our Public Service? These are dedicated people who work extremely hard and are committed to working for the best interests of this state. In relation to the former lower house member, Lea Stevens, again, you are trying to somehow discredit her with snide innuendo. It is absolutely disgraceful, the sort of conduct that goes on in this place.

These appointments are a routine process that takes place, and I am confident that this was part of the usual process that takes place. I have no reason to believe that all of the appropriate parts of the process took place in relation to Lea Stevens in terms of the position of Director of Northern Connections.

In relation to the details of the length of the contract and the remuneration package, these are not details I carry around. These are operational matters which are usually readily available, and I will ensure that any of those details which are available I will bring back.