State Development Department

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (14:38): A supplementary: can the minister assure the council that after the transition, when a new CEO is appointed, it will be an independent assessment removed from the ministers, with respect to that appointment (be it Mr Garrand, Mr Knight or any other person, for that matter), given the fact that so many appointments have been made recently directly by a minister and cabinet, and not on merit at all?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:39): Like all positions in this government and our Public Service, they are awarded on merit. The best person gets the job.

The PRESIDENT: If you want to hear her, people should have respect and let her answer without any interruption. She gave an answer; you will have to read it in Hansard.