THE state government has been accused of ripping off taxpayers over the appointment of a political staffer to a senior departmental role. Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin’s chief of staff, Stuart Clues, was appointed to the role of regulation reduction co-ordinator in December. Premier Will Hodgman said the temporary appointment was at the request of co-ordinator-general John Perry. ‘‘It is critical that the job be filled, even on an interim basis, to get on with the job of helping the government deliver on its commitment to reduce the major impediments and regulatory burdens on industry in this state,’’ he told Parliament. ‘‘Mr Clues has taken on that role prior to the co-ordinator-general advertising for the recruitment of a permanent regulation reduction co-ordinator.’’ Just six days before the appointment was made, The Examiner was told that Mr Clues remained Dr Goodwin’s chief of staff. Mr Clues will remain on his original contract and work from Hobart, despite the job being advertised at a lower rate of pay and being based in Launceston. Franklin Greens MHA Nick McKim said the appointment reeked of a ‘‘jobs for the boys’’ culture. ‘‘The taxpayer is being ripped off by between $50,000 and $100,000 per annum to feather the nest of a former Liberal political staffer at the same time Mr Hodgman is sacking hundreds of teachers and nurses,’’ Mr McKim said. Opposition Leader Bryan Green said mystery surrounded Mr Clues’ appointment and the government’s inability to find someone suitable for the regulation reduction role. ‘‘Instead of hiring someone on $120,000 to work in Launceston, they’re paying someone $220,000 to work in Hobart,’’ he told The Examiner. Mr Hodgman said it was unfair to target individuals who had also helped the previous government. ‘‘This is about retribution and vindictiveness,’’ he said. A government spokesman said appropriate advice was taken on the appointment, which will expire on June 14.
THE state government has been accused of ripping off taxpayers over the appointment of a political staffer to a senior departmental role.
Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin’s chief of staff, Stuart Clues, was appointed to the role of regulation reduction co-ordinator in December.
Premier Will Hodgman said the temporary appointment was at the request of co-ordinator-general John Perry.
‘‘It is critical that the job be filled, even on an interim basis, to get on with the job of helping the government deliver on its commitment to reduce the major impediments and regulatory burdens on industry in this state,’’ he told Parliament.
‘‘Mr Clues has taken on that role prior to the co-ordinator-general advertising for the recruitment of a permanent regulation reduction co-ordinator.’’
Just six days before the appointment was made, The Examiner was told that Mr Clues remained Dr Goodwin’s chief of staff.
Mr Clues will remain on his original contract and work from Hobart, despite the job being advertised at a lower rate of pay and being based in Launceston.
Franklin Greens MHA Nick McKim said the appointment reeked of a ‘‘jobs for the boys’’ culture.
‘‘The taxpayer is being ripped off by between $50,000 and $100,000 per annum to feather the nest of a former Liberal political staffer at the same time Mr Hodgman is sacking hundreds of teachers and nurses,’’ Mr McKim said.
Opposition Leader Bryan Green said mystery surrounded Mr Clues’ appointment and the government’s inability to find someone suitable for the regulation reduction role.
‘‘Instead of hiring someone on $120,000 to work in Launceston, they’re paying someone $220,000 to work in Hobart,’’ he told The Examiner.
Mr Hodgman said it was unfair to target individuals who had also helped the previous government.
‘‘This is about retribution and vindictiveness,’’ he said.
A government spokesman said appropriate advice was taken on the appointment, which will expire on June 14.
