Don Saunders appointed Commissioner for Public Sector Standards

22/5/97

Western Australia has a new Commissioner for Public Sector Standards.

The Governor in Executive Council has today appointed Mr Don Saunders as commissioner to replace Mr Digby Blight, who retired from the position.

The Commissioner of Public Sector Standards is an independent statutory office which works to ensure minimum standards of merit, equity, probity and ethics across the public sector. The office also monitors compliance with these standards.

The commissioner reports directly to State Parliament.

Premier Richard Court said Mr Saunders was a worthy successor to Mr Blight and brought 27 years' experience in the public sector to the position.

Mr Saunders has held senior management positions with SECWA, the Health Department and the Ministry of Premier and Cabinet. Most recently he was the chief executive of the Commission on Government.

Mr Court said Mr Saunders' role with COG and his extended public service had given him a good insight into the Government sector.

"The commissioner's role is an extremely important one in ensuring continued accountability and improved standards within the public sector," the Premier said.

Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475