❓ A parliamentary question regarding the appointment of two former ministerial staffers to the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, with the minister strongly refuting any impropriety and accusing the questioner of ignorance.
AnsweredQoN 728Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION - APPOINTMENTS
I refer to the recent appointment of two former ministerial staffers - Bob Horsman and Susan Barrera - in the Labor Relations Division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. (1) How can the minister justify parachuting two political appointees into her department? (2) What role did either the minister or the previous minister, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, play in these appointments? (3) Is the minister aware of concern and disillusionment among senior public servants on this matter, and what actions will she take to address their concerns? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
I refer to the recent appointment of two former ministerial staffers - Bob Horsman and Susan Barrera - in the Labor Relations Division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. (1) How can the minister justify parachuting two political appointees into her department? (2) What role did either the minister or the previous minister, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, play in these appointments? (3) Is the minister aware of concern and disillusionment among senior public servants on this matter, and what actions will she take to address their concerns? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
(1) How can the minister justify parachuting two political appointees into her department? (2) What role did either the minister or the previous minister, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, play in these appointments? (3) Is the minister aware of concern and disillusionment among senior public servants on this matter, and what actions will she take to address their concerns? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
(2) What role did either the minister or the previous minister, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, play in these appointments? (3) Is the minister aware of concern and disillusionment among senior public servants on this matter, and what actions will she take to address their concerns? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
(3) Is the minister aware of concern and disillusionment among senior public servants on this matter, and what actions will she take to address their concerns? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
(1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
(1) How can the minister justify parachuting two political appointees into her department? (2) What role did either the minister or the previous minister, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, play in these appointments? (3) Is the minister aware of concern and disillusionment among senior public servants on this matter, and what actions will she take to address their concerns? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
(2) What role did either the minister or the previous minister, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, play in these appointments? (3) Is the minister aware of concern and disillusionment among senior public servants on this matter, and what actions will she take to address their concerns? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
(3) Is the minister aware of concern and disillusionment among senior public servants on this matter, and what actions will she take to address their concerns? Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: (1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
(1)-(3) I am absolutely flabbergasted by this question. To the best of my knowledge, both those people are public servants of long standing. It is my understanding that Susan Barrera has possibly - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
The SPEAKER : I could not hear the minister at all. Perhaps the minister can start her answer again. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS : It is my understanding that Susan Barrera is a public servant of particularly long standing. She has been in the public service for up to 30 years. Perhaps the member for Cottesloe and the Leader of the Opposition can attest to the fact that permanent public servants from departments routinely work in ministerial offices. They then return to the public service and take up their positions. Today we are witnessing complete ignorance. The Premier said so. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has no idea about what occurs; he has shown complete ignorance. I expect that most people who work in ministerial offices are permanent public servants who are essentially seconded from a department to work for short or long periods. It is routine, no matter which party is in government. I think the Deputy Leader of the Opposition owes those two individuals an apology for raising their names in this house in a political context when they are public servants. To suggest, as he did, that I parachuted them into positions is complete nonsense. Apart from anything else, to the best of my knowledge, I was not even the minister when either of those persons took up their current position. Today we have seen a scurrilous attack that lacks any substance or knowledge. I suggest that the member do a bit of research and then try again to come up with a decent question.
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