Media Comment: Reaction to DPAC Secretary Resignation

Reaction to DPAC Secretary Resignation

25 March 2024

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb MLC has called for the replacement DPAC Secretary to be recruited from interstate and appointed by agreement of all parliamentary party leaders.

“Parliament, the public service and the Tasmanian community must have confidence in the capacity  and professionalism of the Head of Premier and Cabinet, which has sadly been under a cloud during recent years,” Ms Webb said.

“The new Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet cannot be a job for the boys, or a party lackey.  A power-sharing  parliament must have confidence in those providing advice to government, and also driving cultural transformation in the public service, and this will be best delivered through an interstate recruitment.

“The new Secretary will be responsible for significant unfinished business including the Commission of Inquiry recommendations, and the public sector Watt Review implementation. A starting point in ensuring confidence in this role is avoiding any suggestion of local nepotism, and locking in the endorsement of all parliamentary leaders,” Ms Webb said.