Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

I have sufficient confidence in the integrity of all public servants, whether Commonwealth or state, that once they are assigned to a task they will carry it out diligently and ethically. So if you have a state employed public servant carrying out a task set by agreement between the Commonwealth and the states through COAG, I believe that even though they are employed by a state government they will carry it out diligently and in accordance with the agreement. As I have indicated, them having knowledge of the areas that they are coordinating and evaluating would be a particular advantage. I think that, on balance, for those reasons, the appropriate checks and balances in the structure are contained.

The Strategic Priorities and Budget Committee of cabinet agreed to the bulk of the package on Thursday, 29 January, with some fine details settled between the Prime Minister and the Treasurer after that meeting. The Treasurer signed off on the document on Sunday, 1 February. It was sent to the printer at 6 am on Monday, 2 February.