Establishment of the Public Sector Commission and position of Public Sector Commissioner

Premier Colin Barnett today announced the establishment of a Public Sector Commission as an important first step in enhancing the independence, professionalism and integrity of Western Australia's public service.

The commission will be headed by a Public Sector Commissioner and will operate independently of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The current Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Mal Wauchope, will be transferred to the position of Commissioner.

"The new department and commissioner are positive steps towards better government and a better State," Mr Barnett said.

The role of the Public Sector Commissioner will be:

·        leadership of the public sector;

·        building the capacity of the public sector;

·        evaluating performance of the public sector;

·        developing public sector management policies and practices;

·        driving public sector reform; and

·        advancing the diversity and accountability agenda, including enshrining the operation of the lobbyist register in legislation.

The Public Sector Commissioner will perform all functions currently administered by the Minister for Public Sector Management (except those relating to employment of ministerial officers).

These include:

·        overall public sector operational efficiency;

·        chief executive officers (including disciplinary);

·        SES management (including performance management);

·        public service classification and appointment processes;

·        redeployment and voluntary severance arrangements; and

·        remuneration setting for Government boards and committees.

In addition to the new department and commissioner, the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards will continue to play an important and independent role in the selection of public sector CEOs, and in establishing and monitoring compliance with public sector codes and standards of behaviour.