APY Executive

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (8 June 2016).

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): The questions asked by the Hon T Stephens MLC are about the internal workings of APY and the executive board.

As such, my department has sought advice from APY Administration regarding the dismissal of Mr Ken Pumani from the executive board, who have advised the following:

1. Mr Pumani was provided with advice prior to the March 2016 meeting. This advice was via discussions with executive board members, placement of dismissal discussion on the executive board agenda and through discussion with the general manager. APY Administration have confirmed that this matter was discussed with Mr Pumani over the telephone. During this discussion, Mr Pumani was advised that the executive board was considering enacting the legislative provisions that would dismiss him from his role on the executive board. Mr Pumani was also advised that the executive board wished to discuss this matter with him in person at the next executive board meeting prior to taking any action.

2. Mr Pumani was requested to attend the APY Executive Board meeting on 29, 30 and 31 March 2016, to discuss with members his breach of two parts of the legislation and governing rule of the executive board; Section 9D(1)(c) and 9D(2)(d). Mr Pumani did not attend the meeting.

3. The proposed removal of Mr Pumani was listed on the agenda for the executive board meeting of Wednesday 30 March 2016 as item '5 – section 9D. Exec Member not attending consecutive meetings'.

4. Yes, refer to answer for question 3.

5. Absences of members from meetings often occur on any board, this is why there is guidance provided in the APY Land Rights Act 1981 section 10(2) that stipulates that six members constitute a quorum of the executive board.

APY Administration also confirmed that that on 30 March 2016, seven members were present during agenda item 5. I am also advised that Mr Lewis and Mr Pumani were absent during this agenda item.

With the appropriate numbers, a quorum was reached. This quorum carried the motion unanimously to enact section 9D(1)(c), resulting in the dismissal of Mr Pumani.