Opposition Leader questions the Premier about the length of time key public sector positions, particularly the Director General of Health, have been vacant. The Premier defends the situation, stating positions are filled by acting directors and permanent appointments are progressing.

AnsweredQoN 151Legislative Assembly
Asked
18 March 2014
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

PUBLIC SECTOR — UNFILLED VACANCIES
151. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Premier:
I have a supplementary question. Is
it ideal to have all those positions vacant for long periods, in particular the
director general of Health, which has been vacant for at least 12 months?

AnswerView source ↗

Had the Leader of the Opposition
been straightforward and asked that question, it would have been a legitimate
question. He tries to be tricky and misleading. He should have asked the
supplementary as the main question, but no. As the Deputy Premier just
whispered in my ear, they are not vacant; they have acting directors in them.
Some of those people who are acting may well become the permanent appointment.
As the Leader of the Opposition knows, there is a selection process. I
understand the permanent head of the Department of Parks and Wildlife will be
announced today, so that is one less. We are going through the process. There
is a high number of acting positions, but we are filling them. I guess the one
that frustrates me a little bit is my friend's portfolio of health.
Although Professor Bryant Stokes is doing a superb job, I, as does the
minister, very much want to see a permanent appointment in Health. The other
positions are being filled progressively.

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