Tasmanian Greens Member for Bass Kim Booth MP questioning of Minister David O’Byrne today about the marine pilot debacle has revealed that the matter has escalated with the pilots’ union taking the matter to the Fair Work Commission.
“Tasports has spent two years and hundreds of thousands of public money trying to cover up the fact that they breached due process by appointing a person who did not possess the advertised necessary qualifications for the position of Hobart Marine Pilot in 2011.”
“From the very start I warned the Minister that Tasports’ would equate to a breach of process. I advised him by letter and pursued the matter further in Budget Estimates. However Minister O’Byrne continually failed to step in.”
“We now find out that the pilots themselves have gone to the Fair Work Commission as they clearly grasp the fact that they will be liable if they train an unqualified person. A fact that the Minister refuses to understand.”
“I congratulate the pilots for standing up for their industry and ensuring that marine Pilotage standards aren’t forced down by rogue public agencies like Tasports.”
“We know that back in 2011 when Tasports first advertised for the position of Hobart Marine Pilot there were 23 applicants from a pool of 56 who had the necessary qualifications. Despite this Tasports selected someone who did not meet the advertised criteria.”
“Two years later, and around $400, 000 poorer, Tasports still does not have the person they appointed working as a Hobart Marine Pilot berthing boats.”
“This escalation means more delays and costs to the public purse, all of which could have been avoided, had the Minister stepped in when I raised this matter with him in 2011.”
Pic: 2012 Best workplace health and safety management system: Special Encouragement Award – Tasports … with David O’Byrne.
