Yet again the Liberal Government is facing serious questions over the appointments of two highly-paid senior advisers.
Premier Will Hodgman today confirmed only one person was interviewed for the new Deputy Secretary role in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, but didn’t offer a defence of the recruitment process.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said it was highly unusual that only one person had been interviewed for the senior role, particularly when it is understood there were multiple internal applicants.
“The Premier should explain why not one of the unsuccessful applicants made it to the interview stage of the process,” Mr Green said.
The Premier was also asked about the process that led to the appointment of the new head of Infrastructure Tasmania, but quickly handballed to Minister Rene Hidding.
“Mr Hidding expects us to believe that an extensive and lengthy national search failed to turn up a single suitable candidate,” Mr Green said.
“The Minister failed to explain how many Tasmanian applicants were interviewed after the initial search was unsuccessful.
“Did the incoming CEO apply for the position or was he tapped on the shoulder?
“This is not the first time the Premier has had to answer questions around appointment processes.
“I would also question how extensive the Government’s recruitment process was. Are they serious that they could find no-one in the country with the qualifications needed for this highly paid position?
“Mr Hodgman and his government have form in not following the correct recruitment processes.
“The Premier was recently forced to back down and say he would not be again using the services of his $1000 a day Ministerial advisor after Labor exposed the shady nature of that appointment.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
