DEPARTMENT OF THE PREMIER
AND CABINET — DARREN FOSTER
317. Hon PETER COLLIER to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the Premier's
media release of 23 March 2020 titled ''Statement from Premier Mark
McGowan''.
(1) On what date
did he first have a discussion with Mr Darren Foster regarding his position as
director general of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet?
(2) Who initiated that discussion?
(3) On what date
did he first have a conversation with the Public Sector Commissioner regarding
the future of Mr Darren Foster?
(4) Had people in
the public sector raised concerns with the Premier regarding the performance of
Mr Darren Foster?
(5) If yes to (4), who raised those
concerns and what were those concerns in relation to?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(5) On
Friday, 20 March, it was agreed that Mr Darren Foster would step aside from his
role. The Premier advised the Public Sector Commissioner on that date and she
discussed the matter further with Mr Foster. Mr
Foster wrote to the Premier asking to be reassigned from his role of director
general on 22 March. It was agreed
that on his return from sick leave for surgery, Mr Foster would take up a role
related to post-COVID economic recovery.