Premier Weatherill’s senior advisers embroiled in the child sex abuse scandal at the centre of the Debelle inquiry have received a combined pay increase of $107,000 since 2010.
The Debelle Report is unequivocal in its damning assessment of Mr Weatherill’s senior advisers, Mr Blewett and Mr Harvey, and their failure to advise then Education Minister Mr Weatherill of sexual misconduct in schools.
Mr Weatherill has conceded that the actions of Mr Blewett and Mr Harvey were “unacceptable” and “inexcusable”.
However, Mr Weatherill’s senior adviser, Mr Harvey, received a $47,000 pay rise since his “unacceptable” and “inexcusable” behaviour in 2010.
Mr Weatherill’s senior adviser, Mr Blewett, also received a $60,000 pay rise since his “unacceptable” and “inexcusable” behaviour in 2010.
“How can Mr Weatherill justify pay increases to Mr Blewett and Mr Harvey of a combined $107,000 since 2010?” asked Shadow Health Minister Rob Lucas.
“Despite agreeing with Justice Debelle’s findings, Mr Weatherill has shown weak leadership and failed to act by sacking his senior advisers, Mr Blewett and Mr Harvey.
“If Mr Weatherill has conceded that the actions of Mr Blewett and Mr Harvey were “unacceptable” and “inexcusable,” it is the Premier’s duty to put public interest ahead of personal friendship and terminate their employment.
“South Australian families would be rightly outraged to know that two senior advisers have received a combined pay increase of such magnitude.
“South Australians deserve a government with better priorities to get our State back on track.”