❓ A parliamentary question regarding the dismissal of the Small Business Development Corporation's CEO and potential links between board members and Brian Burke. The Minister responds by outlining inquiries made and actions taken.
AnsweredQoN 39Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
GEORGE ETRELEZIS - SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
One of the state’s longest serving chief executive officers, George Etrelezis, was mysteriously sacked as head of the Small Business Development Corporation by disgraced former Minister for Small Business, Hon Norm Marlborough. Ms J.A. Radisich : Declare your personal interest. Ms K. HODSON-THOMAS : I have mentioned it twice in this place this week. (1) Will the minister conduct an immediate and public investigation into what deals took place; and, if not, why not? (2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK
One of the state’s longest serving chief executive officers, George Etrelezis, was mysteriously sacked as head of the Small Business Development Corporation by disgraced former Minister for Small Business, Hon Norm Marlborough. Ms J.A. Radisich : Declare your personal interest. Ms K. HODSON-THOMAS : I have mentioned it twice in this place this week. (1) Will the minister conduct an immediate and public investigation into what deals took place; and, if not, why not? (2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms J.A. Radisich : Declare your personal interest. Ms K. HODSON-THOMAS : I have mentioned it twice in this place this week. (1) Will the minister conduct an immediate and public investigation into what deals took place; and, if not, why not? (2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms K. HODSON-THOMAS : I have mentioned it twice in this place this week. (1) Will the minister conduct an immediate and public investigation into what deals took place; and, if not, why not? (2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
(1) Will the minister conduct an immediate and public investigation into what deals took place; and, if not, why not? (2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
(2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
(1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
(2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms J.A. Radisich : Declare your personal interest. Ms K. HODSON-THOMAS : I have mentioned it twice in this place this week. (1) Will the minister conduct an immediate and public investigation into what deals took place; and, if not, why not? (2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms K. HODSON-THOMAS : I have mentioned it twice in this place this week. (1) Will the minister conduct an immediate and public investigation into what deals took place; and, if not, why not? (2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
(1) Will the minister conduct an immediate and public investigation into what deals took place; and, if not, why not? (2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
(2) Will the minister also investigate the links between Brian Burke and SBDC board member Eddy Lee, who retained the services of Brian Burke? Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK replied: I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
I thank the member for Carine for the question. (1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
(1) I made inquiries about the former managing director of the Small Business Development Corporation when I assumed the portfolio and was advised that the performance of Mr Etrelezis was unsatisfactory. Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Mr T. Buswell : Who gave you that advice? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK : Mr Wauchope, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, had had long discussions with Mr Etrelezis. I satisfied myself from that information and from other inquiries that the performance of Mr Etrelezis had not advanced the cause of SBDC. Therefore, I was satisfied that all reasonable steps and procedures were followed. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Was that because he stood up to the former minister? Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK : I have no idea. I understand that Mr Etrelezis’ performance was under a cloud for some time. I got feedback from both industry - Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan : Did you ask the small business community what it thought? Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK : Yes. I asked a number of people in the small business community and they are very pleased with how the SBDC is currently being managed. The expression “a breath of fresh air” has been used. (2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
(2) Upon assuming the portfolio, I made inquiries about Mr Lee’s attendance at board meetings. At that stage he had not regularly attended board meetings. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February advising him that because he had missed three board meetings - Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Mr T. Buswell : Just after he went to the CCC. Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
Ms M.M. QUIRK : I made inquiries before that time. I wrote to Mr Lee on 22 February to inform him that as he had failed to attend three board meetings in a row, he was ineligible to sit on the board. His resignation was not sought but he was advised that his services on the board were terminated.
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