❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks details about Michael Barnes' role as GST Project Director, including his responsibilities, reporting structure, and potential conflicts of interest due to his Western Power board appointment. The answer provides details on his deliverables and defends his ability to manage multiple roles.
AnsweredQoN 783Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Cook Labor Government media statement published 14 November 2024 that Mr Michael Barnes will take on the role of leading Western Australia's response to the upcoming Productivity Commission Review of the GST reforms, and I ask: (a) When did Mr Michael Barnes commence this role; (b) When will Mr Michael Barnes conclude this role; (c) What is Mr Michael Barnes' job title; (d) What is Mr Michael Barnes' job description; (e) Who does Mr Michael Barnes report to; (f) How many full-time equivalent staff report to Mr Michael Barnes; (g) What are the job titles of full-time equivalent staff reporting to Mr Michael Barnes; (h) How is Mr Michael Barnes' role affected by his concurrent appointment to the Western Power board; (i) How many reports has Mr Michael Barnes produced in this role; (j) What are the reports or advice given by Mr Michael Barnes to the Treasurer; and (k) What are Mr Michael Barnes' deliverables or key performance indicators?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
21 October 2025
Response time
5 days
(a)-(k) Mr Barnes was appointed as the GST Project Director on 19 May 2025 to lead Western Australia’s response to the Productivity Commission (PC) Review.
His deliverables include:
· preparation of key briefings to the Western Australian Treasurer and Premier;
· preparation of submissions to the PC;
· development of communications strategies and key messages;
· attendance at relevant forums to promote Western Australia’s case;
· meetings with key stakeholders; and
· any other tasks that may contribute to maintaining the 2018 GST reforms.
Mr Michael Barnes has extensive experience as the former Under Treasurer in managing multiple issues and meeting competing deadlines. It is not unusual for individuals to balance several board roles with consultancy and contract work. Mr Barnes has not raised any concerns in being able to deliver the outcomes expected across his various roles.
His deliverables include:
· preparation of key briefings to the Western Australian Treasurer and Premier;
· preparation of submissions to the PC;
· development of communications strategies and key messages;
· attendance at relevant forums to promote Western Australia’s case;
· meetings with key stakeholders; and
· any other tasks that may contribute to maintaining the 2018 GST reforms.
Mr Michael Barnes has extensive experience as the former Under Treasurer in managing multiple issues and meeting competing deadlines. It is not unusual for individuals to balance several board roles with consultancy and contract work. Mr Barnes has not raised any concerns in being able to deliver the outcomes expected across his various roles.
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