[Greens-Media] Cabinet Office head resigns: clear cooling off period needed

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 29 August 2006

Cabinet Office head resigns: clear cooling off period needed

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon used question time today to ask the Special Minister of State John Della Bosca about the potential conflict of interest posed by the head of NSW Cabinet Office resigning for a top job with Citigroup. 

 “Fourteen years as NSW’s top bureaucrat, co-ordinating policy and programs across all NSW government agencies, has provided Mr Wilkins with contacts that make him invaluable to the private sector,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“The Premier knows that a direct leap from Cabinet Office CEO to head of Citigroup’s government and public sector group for Australia and New Zealand is not a good look in the public’s eyes. 

“The step from government to big business is becoming only too familiar.

“Premier Iemma says Mr Wilkins has undertaken not to participate in dealings or transactions between Citigroup and the government for nine months. 

“The Greens believe an ‘undertaking’ is not sufficient. 

“The government should legislate for a distinct cooling off period for such senior bureaucrats.

“During this cooling off period such a senior bureaucrat should refrain from working in areas of the private sector which have significant interactions with government.

“This would better ensure propriety in the post-separation period.

“In NSW there is legislation restricting what jobs ex-police and liquor and gaming officials can walk into. An ex-head of NSW Cabinet office has far greater power and influence and similar safeguards should surely apply.

“The head of NSW Cabinet Office receives a substantial salary that would provide padding for such a cooling off period,” Ms Rhiannon said.


More information:  9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed and alternate Mons)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au