The LNP government of Queensland has been clear that it did hire five new directors-general. This non-advertised decision has raised significant alarm bells and calls for a more transparent and accountable process to government hiring practices. This decision marks a further step by the government to cement its leadership since taking office in October of last year. Taxpayers are left holding the bag now to the tune of $162,500. This cost goes towards the hiring of four Senior Executive Service bureaucrats, including Damien Walker, who is to be in charge of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Agency staff explained that the federal government had used third-party recruitment services totaling about $37,950 to find Walker. His appointment, coming after the rapid departure of Mike Kaiser, signals a clear change in leadership direction within the Department. Walker’s recruitment signifies a new era and a dangerous trend among directors-general. Their salaries frequently surpass those of the ministers they support, which merits profound questions concerning public sector salary structures.
Recruitment Process Under Fire
Yet there is something about these recent appointments that has raised eyebrows, not least because they were not advertised. Critics have claimed that these processes are not transparent and do not attract a wider slate of candidates. The LNP government’s response is staunch, sticking to its argument that it went for efficiency by filling key leadership positions.
A spokesperson for the Crisafulli government stated, “Queensland’s director-general appointments deliver a mix of experience and new energy and allow the government to deliver on its commitment of a fresh start.”
This unusual recruitment strategy came on the heels of massive churn in the state’s bureaucracy. Ten directors-general that had worked under the previous Labor government left office when the LNP came to power. The incoming government kept twelve directors-general/agency heads from the old regime. At the same time, they brought in ten new appointments, fulfilling their promise to strike a balance between continuity and change.
Breakdown of Recruitment Costs
That total recruitment bill of $162,500 is because each new director-general’s executive recruitment services come with steep price tags. Her predecessor, Sarah Cruikshank, recently appointed Justice Department criminal division head, has racked up recruitment expenses. These costs added up to the big picture. Natalie Wilde will be responsible for Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism. Her recruitment services are $44,550 over.
Sharon Schimming, who had been the acting director-general for Education for months prior to her appointment, her opportunity cost of recruitment is still unknown. This leads us to question how the federal government decides to fund these projects. It asks if these types of choices are even consistent with fiscal responsibility.
Implications for Taxpayers
Taxpayers are on the hook for $162,500 salary for these plum appointments. Therefore, oversight on how funds are used and how they approach recruitment will likely come under increased pressure. The LNP government is committed to fast-tracking appointments to critical roles. Doing so in this way is indeed problematic when it comes to governance and public trust.
The discussion around these appointments showcases the troubling reality that public administrations face when there is a transition in leadership. These new directors-general will be watched carefully as they assume their jobs. Their value, relevance, import will be the focal point in guiding Queensland’s public service.
