❓ Barnett questions Wookey's impartiality as Acting Information Commissioner due to her Labor ties. Gallop defends the appointment, highlighting her qualifications and accusing Barnett of impugning a public servant's integrity.
AnsweredQoN 1177Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to Labor’s accountability policy that refers to the Freedom of Information Act and states that Labor will - . . . ensure that it remains an effective tool in ensuring open and accountable government; . . . I also refer to the appointment of Ms Darryl Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner and to her history of association with the Australian Labor Party - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I refer to her association with the Australian Labor Party, including a highly publicised pre-selection battle for the seat of Ballajura in which she was supported by former Labor Premier Brian Burke. (1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I refer to her association with the Australian Labor Party, including a highly publicised pre-selection battle for the seat of Ballajura in which she was supported by former Labor Premier Brian Burke. (1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I refer to her association with the Australian Labor Party, including a highly publicised pre-selection battle for the seat of Ballajura in which she was supported by former Labor Premier Brian Burke. (1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I refer to her association with the Australian Labor Party, including a highly publicised pre-selection battle for the seat of Ballajura in which she was supported by former Labor Premier Brian Burke. (1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
(1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
(2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
(1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I refer to her association with the Australian Labor Party, including a highly publicised pre-selection battle for the seat of Ballajura in which she was supported by former Labor Premier Brian Burke. (1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr C.J. BARNETT: I refer to her association with the Australian Labor Party, including a highly publicised pre-selection battle for the seat of Ballajura in which she was supported by former Labor Premier Brian Burke. (1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I refer to her association with the Australian Labor Party, including a highly publicised pre-selection battle for the seat of Ballajura in which she was supported by former Labor Premier Brian Burke. (1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
(1) Does the Premier support the appointment of Ms Wookey as Acting Information Commissioner? (2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
(2) Does the Premier concede that, in addition to serious concerns raised by the retiring commissioner, the appointment of someone who sought to become a Labor member of Parliament just two-and-a-half years ago will seriously undermine the credibility and the perception of impartiality of freedom of information processes in this State? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
(1)-(2) The Government of Western Australia remains committed to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works properly. The Government will soon bring legislation into the Parliament - it will be brought in by the Attorney General - that will provide extra rights for the public of Western Australia in respect of knowledge of matters within government. We made that commitment and we will follow it up. The performance of the Leader of the Opposition today is a disgrace. The Leader of the Opposition has come into this Parliament and impugned the integrity of a public servant in Western Australia. The appointment of the Acting Information Commissioner is made by the Governor in Executive Council pursuant to section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act. The Government approved that appointment on Tuesday, 13 October. Ms Wookey is currently an assistant ombudsman in the Ombudsman’s office, where she has been employed for three years and has, on occasion, acted in the position of Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in the Ombudsman’s office, she was employed as the principal solicitor in the Office of the Information Commissioner for seven years. During that period, she also acted as Information Commissioner on occasions, many of which occurred during the term of the previous Government. The Leader of the Opposition will say anything and do anything. He has decided that his political ambitions are best served by impugning the integrity of a public servant. If that is his approach to politics in Western Australia, he will be judged for exactly what he is by the people of Western Australia. Mr P.G. Pendal interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Ms Darryl Wookey is a respected public servant. She has acted in the position of Information Commissioner in the past. She is acting in the position now on the advice of the Crown Solicitor. She is the best person to be acting in that position. With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
With regard to the first part of the question; the Government will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act in this State. The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER: I call the members for Kalgoorlie and South Perth to order for the first time.
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