Jenny Gale Resigns

Editor’s note: if you need some context on why this is important, see the media conference transcript linked below.

Twitter comment – Meg Webb, MLC for Nelson, 26 March 2024

My comment on Jenny Gale’s resignation

I 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.

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.