❓ The Leader of the Opposition questions the Premier's inaction regarding the FESA appointment of Mr. Caporn, citing the Premier's power under the Public Sector Management Act. The Premier deflects, criticising the previous Labor government's public service record and defending the independence of the Public Sector Commissioner.
AnsweredQoN 670Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DAVID CAPORN — FESA APPOINTMENT — PUBLIC SECTOR COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
I have a supplementary question. Why did the Premier not use his power under section 36 of the Public Sector Management Act, in congruence with sections 42 and 43, to stop the CEO of FESA from proceeding with the appointment of Mr Caporn? Why did the Premier not take ministerial responsibility for what was going on? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I have a supplementary question. Why did the Premier not use his power under section 36 of the Public Sector Management Act, in congruence with sections 42 and 43, to stop the CEO of FESA from proceeding with the appointment of Mr Caporn? Why did the Premier not take ministerial responsibility for what was going on? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
The Leader of the Opposition still does not get it. I guess, given Labor’s record in government — Mr E.S. Ripper : What I get is your ministerial responsibility, and you’re not exercising it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: The Leader of the Opposition still does not get it. I guess, given Labor’s record in government — Mr E.S. Ripper : What I get is your ministerial responsibility, and you’re not exercising it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
The Leader of the Opposition still does not get it. I guess, given Labor’s record in government — Mr E.S. Ripper : What I get is your ministerial responsibility, and you’re not exercising it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper : What I get is your ministerial responsibility, and you’re not exercising it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: The Leader of the Opposition still does not get it. I guess, given Labor’s record in government — Mr E.S. Ripper : What I get is your ministerial responsibility, and you’re not exercising it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
The Leader of the Opposition still does not get it. I guess, given Labor’s record in government — Mr E.S. Ripper : What I get is your ministerial responsibility, and you’re not exercising it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper : What I get is your ministerial responsibility, and you’re not exercising it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not get it, after the disastrous years of the Labor government, with the disastrous compromising of the public service that took place. For example, under Labor, there were more than 20 term-of-government appointments to the then Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Under this government, there have been none, because we are treating the public service with respect as a professional and independent public service. The nature of that question shows that the Labor Party still does not get it. It still does not grasp the simple fact that this government has appointed a — Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr E.S. Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition, I have allowed you a supplementary question, and the Premier, whether you like the answer or not, is endeavouring to answer that question. I think other people in this place on both sides would like to hear the answer. I formally call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : One of the first acts of the Liberal-National government was to separate the public sector role from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and to — Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr A.J. Carpenter interjected. The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Willagee for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was one of the first acts of this government, and to appoint a long-term career public servant—a respected person who has served governments of both political persuasions with distinction—as Public Sector Commissioner. I trust the Public Sector Commissioner. I trust him to do his job impartially. If we are going to have the Premier of the day buying in and buying out of appointments all over the place, we will never have a truly independent and professional public service in Western Australia.
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