Question & Answer – Secretary of State Growth Contract

May 20, 2026

Ms WEBB question to the LEADER for the GOVERMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Ms RATTRAY

Question:

I sent through this question on 23 March. I’ve asked the Honourable Leader for the Government, regarding the Premier’s announcement in his state of the state address of 3 March this year, of the intention to dismantle the Department of State Growth. Media reports the current Secretary may receive a payout of more than $1 million. Can the government please detail:

(1) Whether the current Secretary of State Growth is employed under the standard head of agency contract? Or does it contain differing arrangements and, if so, please

(2) Regarding the termination without cause provisions contained in the current Secretary of State Growth head of agency contract:

(a) Whether the current Secretary of State Growth will receive a one-year payout consistent with standard head of agency contracts, or will he receive the balance of the contract paid out?

(b) Which current heads of agencies contracts contain a one-year payout arrangement in the event of termination without cause?

(c) Which current heads of agency contracts contain arrangements where the balance of the contract is paid out in the event of termination without cause?

(d) Upon what basis and advice has the government entered into any head of agency contractual arrangements which deviate from the standard one-year payout provision in the event of termination without cause, and from whom was any advice received?

ANSWER

(1) The Secretary of the Department of State Growth is employed under the standard head of agency instrument of appointment. The Secretary of the Department of State Growth is currently on annual leave.

(2) As advised in question one, the Secretary of the Department of State Growth is employed under the standard head of agency instrument of There are provisions for termination without cause in all heads of agency instruments of appointment. Schedule 5, Termination and Discipline, Clause 3:

The appointment may be terminated by the officer upon the giving of four weeks, or such lesser period as the Premier may allow, notice in writing to the Premier

Also in Schedule 5, Termination and Discipline Clause, 2B:

The Premier may terminate this appointment by the giving of notice in writing, or payment in lieu of notice, if the operational requirements of the Crown so require.

All secretaries are employed under the standard head of agency instrument with the exception of the Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Head of the State Service. Contractual arrangements are a matter for the Premier as the employer, and head of agency remuneration and entitlements are published each financial year as part of the departmental annual report, and these are available on agency websites.