John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

You did indeed, Senator Ludwig. I did not mention that but it is true because you took over my previous responsibilities. That is six out of 24—25 per cent. On the other hand, my staffing component has increased from 13 to 18, and I am including the defence ADC in that.

I do not want to be misunderstood in this personal explanation. I think it is the job of the media to probe these issues, as I and my former colleague, former Senator Robert Ray, did for many years in Senate estimates. It is an important accountability mechanism to ensure that offices do not get bloated with political operatives, extra departmental liaison officers or the like. But I do say this: to jump to false conclusions, present speculation as fact and not acknowledge the spills that occur during portfolio changes is not very good form. I do not think it presents the full picture.

Like all my colleagues, I am grateful to all the people who have worked as ministerial staff, present and past, and I would obviously acknowledge that working for a minister is hard, demanding and not everybody’s cup of tea. It is also a public service which progresses our nation and, for some, it is very rewarding. For the record, I have employed 24 permanent staff over 18 months. I have had six staff changes; four of whom went to work in other offices in a change of portfolio. I would calculate the staff turnover at 25 per cent, not 50 per cent—and two happily went to work for the Prime Minister.