Between appointments of ‘Minns mates’ to senior positions and sacking senior public servants via a media release or e-mail, the Minns Government has developed a concerning culture in just 100 days.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Government needs to exercise proper governance and transparency, rather than running the public service as their own plaything.
“Media reports that the Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner was sacked with just an e-mail would be at least a second time that the Labor Government has chosen to dismiss a senior public servant in an unceremonious, undignified and disrespectful manner – having dismissed the administrator for NSW’s cemeteries with a media release,” said Mr Speakman.
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Gurmesh Singh said the lack of appropriate processes raises serious questions about the Minns Government’s approach to hiring and firing senior public servants, and its respect for the NSW public service.
“If such high-ranking employees are treated with this level of contempt, we are forced to question the government’s regard for the everyday employees,” said Mr Singh.
Mr Singh also expressed concern that the Minns Government’s recent ‘Jobs for the Boys’ approach to appointing the Transport Secretary should not be replicated with the FRNSW Commissioner.
“FRNSW provides critical services to our community, keeping us safe, and we urge the Labor Government to commit to a transparent recruitment process for the new Commissioner.”
“We also wish the former Commissioner Paul Baxter all the best in his future endeavours.”
Questions Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib must answer
- Who made the decision to sack Mr Baxter?
- Whom did the Minister consult, apart from the unions, prior to the decision?
- What role did the unions play in the sacking of Mr Baxter?
- How and by whom was the decision to terminate Mr Baxter first communicated? Is it true that it was by email?
- What is the cost to the taxpayer of terminating Mr Baxter’s employment at this time?
- What process will be used to appointment Mr Baxter’s successor?
- Will the process be managed by the independent Public Service Commissioner?
- What role will the unions play in the recruitment process?