Budget saving decisions have led to significant delays in appeal hearings by public servants against allegedly unfair employment decisions, Shadow Finance Minister Rob Lucas said today.
“The Public Grievance Review Commission provides an avenue for an independent hearing of any claim by a public servant alleging nepotism, patronage or any other serious irregularity in an employment decision,” Mr Lucas said.
“The Liberal Party was contacted last week by public sector sources claiming there were significant delays in appeal hearings due to a recent budget savings measure by the Weatherill Government.
“For approximately two months now the Weatherill Government has failed to appoint a Presiding Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners to enable the Commission to operate.
“The Liberal Party understands that, belatedly, the Weatherill Government this week might have finally decided to make appointments.
“Chief Executives of a number of departments have strongly opposed a move by Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) Chief Executive Jim Hallion to, for the first time, charge departments for the costs of any appeals by public servants in their departments.
“Those Chief Executives believe this is just a blatant attempt by DPC to ‘cost shift’ their costs to other departments.
“The Minister should now publicly explain the reasons for this proposed decision and for delaying the appointment of new Commissioners, and the extent of savings DPC believes will be achieved by this decision.”