❓ Mr. Cook questions the Premier regarding a termination payout to Mr. Larsson, alleging it was excessive and inconsistent with previous statements. The Premier deflects, stating the Department of Premier and Cabinet handled the matter and considers it closed.
AnsweredQoN 524Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
JAMES LARSSON —
RESIGNATION PAYOUT
524. Mr R.H. COOK to the Premier:
I refer to the termination payout made to the Premier's
former employees and his admission to the media yesterday that Mr Larsson did
receive a higher payment, but that the circumstances of Mr Larsson's
exit were exceptional and he had to go.
(1) Can the
Premier now explain to this house exactly why Mr Larsson was paid up to five
times more than he was entitled as a resigning term-of-government employee?
(2) Is not the
revelation of this higher termination payment at direct odds with the Premier's
previous public comments that Mr Larsson was ''paid his entitlements''?
(3) Why did
the payment include $550 for the cleaning of Mr Larsson's apartment?
RESIGNATION PAYOUT
524. Mr R.H. COOK to the Premier:
I refer to the termination payout made to the Premier's
former employees and his admission to the media yesterday that Mr Larsson did
receive a higher payment, but that the circumstances of Mr Larsson's
exit were exceptional and he had to go.
(1) Can the
Premier now explain to this house exactly why Mr Larsson was paid up to five
times more than he was entitled as a resigning term-of-government employee?
(2) Is not the
revelation of this higher termination payment at direct odds with the Premier's
previous public comments that Mr Larsson was ''paid his entitlements''?
(3) Why did
the payment include $550 for the cleaning of Mr Larsson's apartment?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) I do not know why
the opposition keeps banging on about this. This was an issue six months ago.
Mr
M. McGowan : Because you haven't answered it.
Mr
R.H. Cook interjected.
Mr
C.J. BARNETT : The opposition sought information from my office. My office
did not handle the negotiations for the termination of Mr Larsson; it was done
through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That was the payment that
was agreed. He left—end of story.
Several members interjected
Mr C.J. Barnett :
How many times do you want me to answer?
Mr M.P. Murray : We
can't believe anything you say anyway.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Collie–Preston! I gave the call to the member for Kwinana. I
want to hear him ask his supplementary. I do not want to hear you. I formally
call you to order for the second time today.
the opposition keeps banging on about this. This was an issue six months ago.
Mr
M. McGowan : Because you haven't answered it.
Mr
R.H. Cook interjected.
Mr
C.J. BARNETT : The opposition sought information from my office. My office
did not handle the negotiations for the termination of Mr Larsson; it was done
through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. That was the payment that
was agreed. He left—end of story.
Several members interjected
Mr C.J. Barnett :
How many times do you want me to answer?
Mr M.P. Murray : We
can't believe anything you say anyway.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Collie–Preston! I gave the call to the member for Kwinana. I
want to hear him ask his supplementary. I do not want to hear you. I formally
call you to order for the second time today.
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