COMMISSIONER FOR PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (5 April 2012).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): The Hon. J. Darley asked a similar question of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment at the Budget and Finance Committee Meeting on 19 March 2012. The Commissioner responded that he had not conducted any reviews of departments, he had not been requested to, nor had he done so of his own volition.

The question may relate to reviews of public sector employment matters, conduct or discipline rather than departments, in which case I advise the following.

The Commissioner for Public Sector Employment has a role in providing advice on and conducting reviews of public sector employment matters as required by the Premier or the Minister or on the Commissioner's own initiative. The Commissioner can also investigate or assist in the investigation of matters in connection with public sector employee conduct or discipline as required by the Premier or at the request of a public sector agency and investigate such matters on the Commissioner's own initiative (including on receipt of public interest information under the Whistle Blower's Protection Act 1993).

Since Mr Warren McCann has held the position of Commissioner two full investigations have been conducted at his instigation. Several other matters have been referred to agencies for investigation with the requirement to report the outcome back to the Commissioner for review. A number of other matters relating to general employment issues have also been considered and advised on at the request of the Premier or Minister.