Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-11-18 Daily Xml

Contents

Automotive Transformation

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Automotive Transformation a question about departmental resignations.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: There have been a number of staffing changes at executive level of the automotive transformation section of the Department of State Development, including Mr Len Piro, chief executive of the Automotive Transformation Task Force, and Mr Phil Tyler. Actually, Mr Phil Tyler is a former Labor member of parliament, and director of automotive transformation. They resigned on the same day. My questions are:

1. Is the minister concerned that two very senior officials for automotive transformation with vast responsibilities and experience resigned, or were offered TVSPs, in the midst of a major restructure in the sector?

2. How has the government replaced the duties of Mr Piro and Mr Tyler since their resignations in September?

3. According to feedback received by the PSA, DSD members are stressed, concerned about the future and overworked due to TVSPs being approved, and morale is generally low. Is this the feedback the minister is receiving, and what is the minister doing to address these concerns?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for his questions about the automotive transformation team within the department. Staffing is a matter for the chief executive of the department. Who fills what role is not something that a minister directly influences: this is a role for the chief executive of the department. I have every confidence that the Chief Executive of the Department of State Development is doing everything that can be done to ensure the right people are in these roles for this important area.