Public Service Performance

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:09): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Employment a question about the Public Service.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: As I mentioned yesterday, the Premier recently announced at least three times in the media that he wanted to improve the performance of the public sector. At the Budget and Finance Committee meeting last week the Chief Executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet outlined some of the things being done to improve performance in their department. Can the minister advise what is being done to improve the performance of the Public Service in his agencies and departments, including improvement in the performance of senior management?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (15:10): I thank the honourable member for his question. The public sector is always looking to improve the way they do things and the services they provide. There are a number of departments for which I am responsible—Aboriginal affairs and the manufacturing industry and innovation side of the Department of State Development—and I know they constantly improve the work they do, how they engage with stakeholders in Aboriginal affairs and with Aboriginal communities and service providers, and in the other economic portfolios, particularly in relation to engagement with industry.

I am happy to bring back a detailed answer about programs that departments have in place under my responsibility as minister, about specific improvements they make, but I am regularly impressed with the way they continue to engage and continue to improve what they do.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Ridgway.