Public Sector Employees

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): A further supplementary arising from the original answer: has the Treasurer had any discussions regarding the termination of employment with any public sector employee below chief executive level?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:34): Again, I am not going to go into any discussions that I may or may not have had with the Premier in relation to executives below the level of chief executive officer. Frankly, the question doesn't make much sense because the Premier or indeed I as minister have no power to dismiss anybody at a level below the position of chief executive officer. Certainly, I have no authority in relation to that. Any discussions I have with the Premier in relation to the Public Sector Management Act issues are discussions that I have with the Premier and I don't intend to outline them to the house.

The PRESIDENT: I'm going to allow you one last supplementary.