Public Sector

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:47): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General about the public sector.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: It was reported in The Advertiser on 10 September that a strategic adviser to the Premier's Delivery Unit will be paid $60,000 for the equivalent of 13 days of work. The former Westpac executive, Peter Hanlon, was selected for the job by Premier the Hon. Peter Malinauskas. The Premier's Delivery Unit Chief Executive, Rik Morris, when asked what competitive selection process was undertaken for his appointment, replied and I quote:

That's a question for the Premier. I am not aware. It was the Premier's decision to recommend him.

Despite being paid around $600 an hour, it has been revealed that the adviser provides often verbal advice, meaning that we may never know the details of his role. My question to the Attorney-General is: what are the recruitment guidelines and role description for this strategic adviser's position and is the role consistent with the expectations of the transparency expected of the public sector?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:49): I thank the honourable member for her question. As she pointed out, it relates to a matter in the Premier's area and DPC. I am happy to take that on notice—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —and bring back an answer.

The PRESIDENT: I am assuming you said you are going to refer the question, Attorney, because I couldn't hear the answer.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Yes.