A WA parliamentary question seeks clarification on the government's policy regarding ministerial staff pre-selected as election candidates, specifically comparing the treatment of two individuals. The response details the government's approach and provides dates of employment changes for the individuals mentioned.

AnsweredQoN 364Legislative Council
Asked
16 October 2013
Portfolio
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QuestionView source ↗

(1) What is the Government's policy on the employment of officers working in ministerial offices who are pre-selected as candidates prior to an election? (2) Is it true that Ms Jaimee Motion was required to resign prior to her pre-selection as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Collie-Preston at the 2013 State election? (3) If yes to (2), can the Premier explain why Mr Peter Katsambanis was not required to resign from his position as Minister Peter Collier's Chief of Staff prior to his pre-selection in the 2013 State election? (4) Can the Premier advise the last day of employment for Ms Jaimee Motion prior to the 2013 State election? (5) Can the Premier advise the last day of employment for Mr Peter Katsambanis prior to the 2013 State election?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
21 November 2013
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Premier
Response time
36 days
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
(1) Government officers, including those employed in ministerial offices, were encouraged to seek their own legal advice about their responsibilities as a State election candidate and their public employment. No specific advice was provided by the Department to public sector officers who chose to nominate as candidates. This is primarily due to the varied nature of employment arrangements across the public sector making it difficult to recommend one single policy approach.
(2) No. Ms Motion resigned at a time of her choice and was not required or asked to resign by the Department.
(3) Not applicable
(4) 28 August 2012
(5) Mr Katsambanis commenced leave without pay on 11 February 2013. His contract of employment expired on 21 March 2013.

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