❓ Opposition questions the Premier regarding increased funding for the Governor's Establishment and the Governor's new role in strategic advocacy and diplomacy, seeking justification and transparency.
AnsweredQoN 2175Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the increased allocation in the State Budget to the Governor's Establishment to meet "strategic advocacy and diplomacy outcomes", and for additional staffing to host functions and hospitality based events, conferences and seminars, and ask: (a) on what occasion or occasions did the Premier discuss this role for the Governor with Hon Kim Beasley AC and what was said; (b) what precisely are the "strategic advocacy and diplomacy outcomes" the Governor is meant to achieve; (c) who determines those objectives and who will decide if those objectives have been met and by what performance criteria; (d) was any advice sought or received from the Solicitor-General or State Solicitor or otherwise as to the proposed role and its compatibility with the doctrine of separation of powers between the Governor and the Executive and, if not, why not; (e) if any such advice was received, will the Premier table that advice and, if not, why not; (f) is there a business case or other needs analysis to support the additional allocation of funding and, if so, by whom was it prepared and when will the Premier table it; (g) if there is no such business case or analysis, how was the amount and purpose of the funding determined; and (h) that the Premier provide a breakdown of how the additional $1.4 million will be spent, and specifically, how much is to be spent on: (i) staff, including their roles and titles and pay levels; (ii) hospitality-based events; (iii) conferences; (iv) seminars; and (v) food and beverages?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
27 June 2019
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Premier
Response time
15 days
(a) – (g) The Premier meets regularly with the Governor and the decision to ask the Governor to take on an enhanced role was the Premier’s. The Premier and the Governor had a number of discussions about areas in which Western Australia could be promoted and where his strengths might lie. As a former federal education and defence minister, obviously international students and defence industries were important.
It is the view of the Government of Western Australia that it would be extremely beneficial for the Governor to have an enhanced role to promote the state, given his profile, international connections and expertise. This follows on from what other states have done; namely Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
When the Governor was asked to fulfil the role, it was requested that he undertake a similar role to the Governors of other states. His priorities are available online. They include WA defence industries; rare earths and battery minerals trade; cultural development; tourism and international students; agricultural and rural industries; and the Indigenous community. This is on top of his constitutional, civic, community, ceremonial and other duties.
It is the view of the Government of Western Australia that it would be extremely beneficial for the Governor to have an enhanced role to promote the state, given his profile, international connections and expertise. This follows on from what other states have done; namely Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
When the Governor was asked to fulfil the role, it was requested that he undertake a similar role to the Governors of other states. His priorities are available online. They include WA defence industries; rare earths and battery minerals trade; cultural development; tourism and international students; agricultural and rural industries; and the Indigenous community. This is on top of his constitutional, civic, community, ceremonial and other duties.
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