Suspicion growing over abuse of Government redundancy scheme

Health Minister Michael Ferguson has been left red faced over his blind defence of dubious redundancy payouts in the Health Department after it was revealed today possible breaches are being investigated.

“After initially dismissing Labor’s claims, the Premier has now vowed to investigate if any other “wrongdoing” has occurred when it comes to redundancy payouts across the public sector,” Mr Green said.

“We are also undertaking a whole of government audit as well and it will, we would expect, uncover any other instances of wrongdoing”
Will Hodgman – State Parliament today.

“Mr Ferguson yesterday denied any wrong doing in his department and has been hung out to dry by the Premier.

“The Government has made hundreds of redundancies across departments with an average payout of $60,000 in taxpayer funds.

“Mr Hodgman confirmed today he doesn’t know whether systemic abuse of the redundancy scheme has occurred and has ordered the State Service Management Office to get to the bottom of the issue.

“An initial review of a voluntary redundancy in the Department of Health and Human Services raises more questions than it answers. However it did find that the matters raised by the Labor Opposition gave rise to “questions of consistency and transparency.”

Mr Green called on the Premier to release the report in full when the further SSMO investigation is completed.

“The Government clearly wants this issue to just go away despite legitimate concerns over whether this is a proper use of taxpayers’ money.

“The Liberal Government must be held to account.

“The Liberals are pursuing job cuts at any cost and it’s not right if taxpayers are being left to foot the bill.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader