Page 3357 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 17 August 2011
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Whether or not this is evidence of a broader approach to whistleblowers, I do not know. I certainly hope it is not. I do have concerns about a range of cultural issues within the public service. I do not think it is a reasonable response to tar the whole public service as bullies or assert that it is the prevailing culture when I am confident that the majority would do the right thing and it is the few bad apples who behave inappropriately.
Irrespective of the exact prevalence of the problem, we need to respond urgently. There is no excuse for us not having a world class disclosure scheme. This is no excuse for ministers and senior executives within the public service not doing their utmost to ensure that every ACT public servant can feel comfortable about making a complaint and be supported and protected in doing so.
We now have a strategic board of directors-general. I do think that this is a matter that they should consider and develop a service-wide strategy on. This should then be rolled out across the respective directorates so that no-one can be in any doubt of the service-wide commitment. It is important that we recognise that education, particularly of senior staff about the operation of the Public Interest Disclosure Act, and any changes that I hope the Assembly will soon make will be vital in its effective operation.
I think that we all here agree that it takes courage to speak out and be critical or to highlight a concern about maladministration, knowing that the criticism is about colleagues and therefore carries the risk of reprisals and other difficulties in the workplace. The Greens certainly agree—
MR SPEAKER: Ms Hunter, one moment. I think you have a point of order, Mr Hanson?
Mr Hanson: Yes, thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you for finally recognising that I was on my feet.
MR SPEAKER: The standing orders and the—
Mr Hanson: And I ask for your—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, one moment. The standing orders and the practice of the place would normally suggest you would actually call “point of order” to draw the Speaker’s attention.
Mr Hanson: Mr Speaker, may I seek your guidance on the appropriateness of the Speaker, rather than paying attention to the debate, reading the Canberra Cyclist Magazine? Could you provide a reference perhaps to a standing order? I am not sure, but could you provide me some advice on that issue?
MS HUNTER: Could you stop the clock?
Mr Corbell: Point of order.
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