Dr. Brian Walker questions the Premier regarding the frequency of meetings with the Public Sector Commissioner and the level of input the Premier's office has on the Commission's priorities, particularly concerning integrity and transparency. The Premier's response highlights the Commissioner's independence.

AnsweredQoN 674Legislative Council
Asked
16 August 2022
Portfolio
Leader of the House representing the Premier

QuestionView source ↗

PUBLIC SECTOR COMMISSION — INTEGRITY REVIEW
674. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer the Premier to the Notification of minor misconduct by public authorities: An integrity
thematic review issued by the Public Sector Commission in December
2021. I am in fulsome agreement with the opening statement of that report,
which states —
The highest levels of integrity
are required across the government sector so Western Australians are assured
that public authorities always act in the interests of the communities they
serve.
(1) How
regularly has the Premier met with the Public Sector Commissioner in the last
12 months?
(2) What level of input does his office have into the
priorities of the commission, given the obvious desirability of a whole-of-government
approach to integrity and transparency?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1) The
Premier and his staff meet with the Public Sector Commissioner frequently.
(2) The Public
Sector Commissioner acts independently in fulfilling her functions, other than
in a few circumstances—undertaking reviews, inquiries and
machinery-of-government changes—where she may be directed by the
Premier. The Premier supports the commissioner to implement her functions as
outlined by the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

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