❓ Opposition questions the Premier on whistleblower legislation progress and allegations regarding the Ombudsman's office computer system. The Premier defends the government's commitment to whistleblower protection and highlights past government actions.
AnsweredQoN 108Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WHISTLEBLOWER LEGISLATION, OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE
I refer to the Premier’s position in opposition as the self-appointed champion of whistleblowers, and his promise to legislate to protect public servants, which is contained in Australian Labor Party policy, which reads - Public servants who ‘blow the whistle’ on corruption, maladministration and waste within government and the public sector will be protected - not persecuted . . . Will the Premier provide details on the following - (1) Has the Ombudsman’s statistics and complaints automated register computer program in the Ombudsman’s office been investigated since its completion; and, if so, by whom? (2) What will the Premier do to ensure that the concerns of former Ombudsman senior investigative officer Chris Read, as expressed on Liam Bartlett’s program on ABC Radio this morning, are fully investigated with regard to allegations that the Ombudsman has spent up to half a million dollars on a system that does not work? (3) When will the Premier introduce whistleblower legislation, given that he said before the state election - again I refer to ALP policy - that such laws were a vital factor in the development of a more open, accountable and responsible Government in this State? Dr GALLOP
I refer to the Premier’s position in opposition as the self-appointed champion of whistleblowers, and his promise to legislate to protect public servants, which is contained in Australian Labor Party policy, which reads - Public servants who ‘blow the whistle’ on corruption, maladministration and waste within government and the public sector will be protected - not persecuted . . . Will the Premier provide details on the following - (1) Has the Ombudsman’s statistics and complaints automated register computer program in the Ombudsman’s office been investigated since its completion; and, if so, by whom? (2) What will the Premier do to ensure that the concerns of former Ombudsman senior investigative officer Chris Read, as expressed on Liam Bartlett’s program on ABC Radio this morning, are fully investigated with regard to allegations that the Ombudsman has spent up to half a million dollars on a system that does not work? (3) When will the Premier introduce whistleblower legislation, given that he said before the state election - again I refer to ALP policy - that such laws were a vital factor in the development of a more open, accountable and responsible Government in this State? Dr GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
(1) Has the Ombudsman’s statistics and complaints automated register computer program in the Ombudsman’s office been investigated since its completion; and, if so, by whom? (2) What will the Premier do to ensure that the concerns of former Ombudsman senior investigative officer Chris Read, as expressed on Liam Bartlett’s program on ABC Radio this morning, are fully investigated with regard to allegations that the Ombudsman has spent up to half a million dollars on a system that does not work? (3) When will the Premier introduce whistleblower legislation, given that he said before the state election - again I refer to ALP policy - that such laws were a vital factor in the development of a more open, accountable and responsible Government in this State? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
(2) What will the Premier do to ensure that the concerns of former Ombudsman senior investigative officer Chris Read, as expressed on Liam Bartlett’s program on ABC Radio this morning, are fully investigated with regard to allegations that the Ombudsman has spent up to half a million dollars on a system that does not work? (3) When will the Premier introduce whistleblower legislation, given that he said before the state election - again I refer to ALP policy - that such laws were a vital factor in the development of a more open, accountable and responsible Government in this State? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
(3) When will the Premier introduce whistleblower legislation, given that he said before the state election - again I refer to ALP policy - that such laws were a vital factor in the development of a more open, accountable and responsible Government in this State? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
(1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
(1) Has the Ombudsman’s statistics and complaints automated register computer program in the Ombudsman’s office been investigated since its completion; and, if so, by whom? (2) What will the Premier do to ensure that the concerns of former Ombudsman senior investigative officer Chris Read, as expressed on Liam Bartlett’s program on ABC Radio this morning, are fully investigated with regard to allegations that the Ombudsman has spent up to half a million dollars on a system that does not work? (3) When will the Premier introduce whistleblower legislation, given that he said before the state election - again I refer to ALP policy - that such laws were a vital factor in the development of a more open, accountable and responsible Government in this State? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
(2) What will the Premier do to ensure that the concerns of former Ombudsman senior investigative officer Chris Read, as expressed on Liam Bartlett’s program on ABC Radio this morning, are fully investigated with regard to allegations that the Ombudsman has spent up to half a million dollars on a system that does not work? (3) When will the Premier introduce whistleblower legislation, given that he said before the state election - again I refer to ALP policy - that such laws were a vital factor in the development of a more open, accountable and responsible Government in this State? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
(3) When will the Premier introduce whistleblower legislation, given that he said before the state election - again I refer to ALP policy - that such laws were a vital factor in the development of a more open, accountable and responsible Government in this State? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
(1)-(3) The Government is preparing its whistleblower legislation as promised. It will be brought to this Parliament and I hope it will get support from both sides of this House, including the Independents and others. This State had eight years of a coalition Government. We saw how it hounded public servants who dared to question policies or to release to the public domain important information that pertained to the public interest. I am advised that the issues raised by Mr Read about the review of the OSCAR computer system were investigated by the specialist officer within the Department of Contract and Management Services, and a report was completed in May 2000. Who was in government in May 2000? Is the member for Murdoch aware of this issue? Mr Board: I was not the minister. Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
Dr GALLOP: Is the member for Hillarys aware of this issue? Was he happy with that report? Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
Mr Johnson: We are asking the questions. Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
Dr GALLOP: I see. An officer in CAMS investigated that matter. The deputy Auditor General reviewed the CAMS report and concluded that there were no significant audit issues. The Government will take great care to make sure that people in the public service are properly looked after. Mr Read had some issues about his employment arrangements and remuneration. They have been investigated by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The points that Mr Read made have not been sustained by those independent authorities. The issue has been looked at by independent agencies, in particular by the Auditor General. The employment arrangements have been looked at by the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards and the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government will introduce legislation to protect whistleblowers. It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition has raised such a question. I remember only too well the debate in this Parliament in 1998 when a teacher at the Kewdale Senior High School had the temerity to raise publicly concerns about what was going on in the education arena in this State. What was the then Minister for Education’s response? The teacher was suspended for three days for daring to raise important issues. The current Leader of the Opposition said that he did not expect teachers in the public education system to criticise their employer publicly. That is the standard he set. This Government will ensure that people have the right to blow the whistle on what is happening. During the Court Government’s term in office, issues about the OSCAR computing system were dealt with by independent agencies.
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