GOVERNMENT BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES — APPOINTMENTS
133. Hon TJORN SIBMA to the Leader of the House representing
the Premier:
I refer to the practices and
processes of the McGowan cabinet in approving the appointment and/or
reappointment of individuals to government boards and committees.
(1) Are ministers
and/or their staff permitted to directly interview a potential board appointee
before making recommendations to cabinet?
(2) If yes to (1), what specific
guidelines and safeguards govern these interviews?
(3) Are such interviews minuted;
and, if not, why not?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) In
accordance with Premier's Circular 2019–07, although all
appointments to state government boards and committees are matters for cabinet
consideration, the statutory authority for the appointment rests with the
minister. The Premier's circular provides that the level of
pre-screening required for appointees should
be considered in the context of the purpose and function of the board or
committee. As such, whether interviews are required in order to exercise
due diligence is assessed on a case-by-case basis.