Health Minister Michael Ferguson is trying to whitewash very serious concerns about redundancy rorting within his Department.
When Labor first raised this issue in Question Time this week both the Minister and the Premier claimed that everything was above board.
Mr Ferguson told the Parliament: “I have been assured by the department that the TNVR process has been operating in accordance with managing positions in the State Service guidelines which is oversighted by the SSMO. It has also been in accordance with the State Service Act.”
Now he is referring the matter back to the State Service Management Office (SSMO), the very same office that originally signed off on the redundancy payout.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said the Minister had repeatedly failed to answer simple questions.
“The Minister’s actions to date have been woefully inadequate and show the Government is trying to whitewash this very concerning matter,” Mr Green said.
“The Minister needs to answer some simple questions.
“Why was someone moved into a role slated to be abolished? Why not just abolish the empty position?
“How long was the “Project Manager” position left vacant prior to it being filled?”
Mr Green said the Minister has not denied the position was only filled for four weeks before it was made redundant.
“Why did the person only serve in the role for four weeks?
“Why would the person be given a redundancy instead of returning to their substantive position?
“Michael Ferguson’s attempt to handball this matter off to the State Service Management Office is weak and inadequate.
“It’s time for the Minister to clear this matter up.
“How common is the practice of moving someone from a substantive position to another role so they can be eligible for a redundancy?”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
