Page 2329 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 5 August 2015

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Mr Hanson: The comment was that Mr Barr is in the pockets of the CFMEU, Madam Speaker.

MADAM SPEAKER: I think—

Mr Hanson: Well, they fund him.

MADAM SPEAKER: No, don’t—I will take the point of order on notice and I will look at the context. I am loath to make rulings that expressions like “in the pocket” might be considered unparliamentary.

Mr Hanson: Madam Speaker, in this case, to save any confusion, I am happy to withdraw.

MADAM SPEAKER: If you want to withdraw, that is fine. That saves me doing the job.

ACT State Emergency Service—Chief Officer

MR SMYTH: My question is to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Minister, why was the Chief Officer of the ACT SES appointed without the position being advertised?

MS BURCH: You did explore this through the estimates committee. The commissioner thought that he had merit that was worthy of the position. He was able to make that appointment, and he did so.

MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Smyth.

MR SMYTH: Minister, why were other qualified applicants, such as the acting chief officer, not allowed to apply?

MS BURCH: The commissioner made the decision that the now appointed head of the SES with his 30 years of experience across emergency management was the most appropriate candidate for appointment. He made that decision and made that appointment.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.

MRS JONES: Minister, why were not volunteers consulted about the process used to fill the position?

MS BURCH: This is an appointment of a senior public service position. The commissioner made the call, made the appointment, and I support the appointment.

MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mrs Jones.


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