❓ PREMIER’S CHIEF OF STAFF — DECLARATION OF INTERESTS I refer to Deidre Willmott’s position change from the Premier’s chief of staff to the state director of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
AnsweredQoN 342Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
PREMIER’S CHIEF OF STAFF — DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
I refer to Deidre Willmott’s position change from the Premier’s chief of staff to the state director of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting before she left the Premier’s office as a result of a potential conflict of interest. (1) Has the Premier’s new chief of staff, Mr Brian Pontifex, made to him a declaration of interests, including shares and any other matters that would go to a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest? (2) If so, will the Premier table that declaration? (3) If not, will the Premier request that he make such a declaration and table any associated documents in the house this week? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to Deidre Willmott’s position change from the Premier’s chief of staff to the state director of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting before she left the Premier’s office as a result of a potential conflict of interest. (1) Has the Premier’s new chief of staff, Mr Brian Pontifex, made to him a declaration of interests, including shares and any other matters that would go to a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest? (2) If so, will the Premier table that declaration? (3) If not, will the Premier request that he make such a declaration and table any associated documents in the house this week? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
(1) Has the Premier’s new chief of staff, Mr Brian Pontifex, made to him a declaration of interests, including shares and any other matters that would go to a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest? (2) If so, will the Premier table that declaration? (3) If not, will the Premier request that he make such a declaration and table any associated documents in the house this week? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
(2) If so, will the Premier table that declaration? (3) If not, will the Premier request that he make such a declaration and table any associated documents in the house this week? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
(3) If not, will the Premier request that he make such a declaration and table any associated documents in the house this week? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
(1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
(1) Has the Premier’s new chief of staff, Mr Brian Pontifex, made to him a declaration of interests, including shares and any other matters that would go to a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest? (2) If so, will the Premier table that declaration? (3) If not, will the Premier request that he make such a declaration and table any associated documents in the house this week? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
(2) If so, will the Premier table that declaration? (3) If not, will the Premier request that he make such a declaration and table any associated documents in the house this week? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
(3) If not, will the Premier request that he make such a declaration and table any associated documents in the house this week? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
(1)–(3) I find it strange that the Labor Party is intent on pursuing staff who work for this government, given its extraordinary record in government. Both Deidre Willmott and Brian Pontifex are lawyers. They are both highly intelligent and highly competent and capable people. Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Mr M.P. Murray : Why didn’t they get the same pay? Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : For the one reason that I would not give the member for Collie–Preston the salary that I give to other people in this house! Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Deidre Willmott did not have a conflict of interest, but it was a fact that her husband had formed a new partnership in his law practice and, although the area of law in which he operated did not present a conflict of interest, there was no doubt that his new partners dealt with matters particularly in the energy sector whereby they would deal with government trading enterprises and other clients. That had the potential to raise conflicts of interest and, more to the point, given the confidentiality of the way in which lawyers operate, Deidre Willmott might not have even known whether there was a conflict of interest. Rather than get into that position, she took the most honourable and correct—almost too correct—position and stood down as chief of staff to the Premier. I persuaded her to head up on a part-time basis the CHOGM project. Subsequently, she decided to move to Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. That was entirely her choice and I wish her well, of course. Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
Brian Pontifex had worked with Woodside for a little over two years. During at least the first two or three months of his employment, he took no part in issues relating to Woodside or, indeed, to the energy or petroleum industry. He had been with Woodside for only a couple of years. I think he had some shares in Woodside; I think perhaps he still does. All the necessary declarations were done—and done properly. This is a comparatively small town. Everyone in this city who has any influence probably knows everyone else who has influence. That is the reality. We took exacting measures to make sure that there were no real or perceived conflicts relating to Brian Pontifex. Members must bear in mind that not only is he highly qualified, but also he spent time working for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe on anticorruption measures. If anyone is well tuned and versed in dealing with potential conflicts and corruption issues, it is Brian Pontifex. I do not know where the Leader of the Opposition is going with this. If he has a specific allegation or concern, please raise it. But I take some exception to throwing the veil of suspicion over decent, hardworking, highly competent, highly professional people.
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