Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Mackellar, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Seniors) Share this | Hansard source

Yes; that was a mistake, I think. I am not surprised at this appointment, particularly since you have a Treasurer who is seen by the electorate as ineffectual and not across his portfolio at all. I can understand why you would want someone with more expertise around to give better advice. Nonetheless, I would like to know the terms and conditions of the appointment and why it was done under section 67 of the Constitution. There is no adequate reason. You made some comparisons and I can find you many other appointments made under section 67 of the Constitution, but I find it very difficult to find any precedent where a political appointment has been made, to assist the Prime Minister via the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, under section 67. All the other appointments are ones where there is a provision in legislation that the appointment be made under section 67.

I saw an official shake his head, but if he can find an example and convey it to the parliamentary secretary of anyone who has been appointed under that section by the Governor-General, as a political appointee, to assist the Prime Minister and advise the Prime Minister via the department, I would be very pleased to hear about it. Perhaps, when he is advising the parliamentary secretary on that issue, he could help him give the answer to what the terms and conditions are and what the job specification is for the position to which Mr Henry has been appointed. But I would particularly like to know whether he left the Public Service and is coming back as a contractor.

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