❓ Hon Ken Travers questions the Premier regarding concerns raised by Ben O'Rourke, former chief of staff to the Minister for Transport, about a proposed trip to China. The Premier confirms concerns were raised and addresses O'Rourke's current employment status.
AnsweredQoN 1429Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT — CHINA VISIT —
BEN O'ROURKE
1429. Hon KEN TRAVERS to the Leader of the
House representing the Premier:
(1) Did the
former chief of staff to the Minister for Transport; Finance, Mr Ben O'Rourke,
raise any concerns about the minister's proposed trip to China in July
this year?
(2) If yes —
(a) what were the concerns;
(b) with whom did he raise the
concerns inside the minister's office; and
(c) with whom did he raise his
concerns outside the minister's office?
(3) Has Mr O'Rourke
left the employ of government?
(4) If no to (3),
where is Mr O'Rourke working?
(5) If yes to
(3), was a separation payment made; and, if so, what was the amount of that
payment?
BEN O'ROURKE
1429. Hon KEN TRAVERS to the Leader of the
House representing the Premier:
(1) Did the
former chief of staff to the Minister for Transport; Finance, Mr Ben O'Rourke,
raise any concerns about the minister's proposed trip to China in July
this year?
(2) If yes —
(a) what were the concerns;
(b) with whom did he raise the
concerns inside the minister's office; and
(c) with whom did he raise his
concerns outside the minister's office?
(3) Has Mr O'Rourke
left the employ of government?
(4) If no to (3),
where is Mr O'Rourke working?
(5) If yes to
(3), was a separation payment made; and, if so, what was the amount of that
payment?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1) Yes.
(2) (a) The minister proposed a private trip to China with a
member of his ministerial staff.
(b) They were raised with the
minister and the staff member.
(c) They were raised with staff in
the Premier's office.
(3) No.
(4) Mr O'Rourke continues in the Department of the
Premier and Cabinet.
(5) Not applicable.
question.
(1) Yes.
(2) (a) The minister proposed a private trip to China with a
member of his ministerial staff.
(b) They were raised with the
minister and the staff member.
(c) They were raised with staff in
the Premier's office.
(3) No.
(4) Mr O'Rourke continues in the Department of the
Premier and Cabinet.
(5) Not applicable.
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