Shadow Minister for Small Business, Marie-Clare Boothby, says it’s concerning Minister Kirby
appeared completely blindsided by basic questions relating to his Veterans Affairs and
Recreational Fishing portfolios during Opposition questioning at Estimates.
“During Estimates hearings yesterday, Minister Kirby was questioned why his portfolio of
Veterans Affairs had no budget output in Estimates hearings – as well as what expenditure
there was, and where it was coming from. He appeared quite confused and rattled when
explaining that his portfolio was funded from Minister Manison’s Northern Australia
development, market engagement and Trade budget.
“Minister Kirby couldn’t explain how much expenditure there was for the Veterans Affairs
portfolio, but said it covers two FTE positions as well as a number of undefined programs
and study tours.
“The Opposition also quizzed the Minister about critical negotiations taking place with the
Northern Land Council and its proposed recreational fishing permit system. Despite being
the Minister responsible for Recreational Fishing, Minister Kirby was unable to answer and
referred questions to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
“We would expect the Minister for Recreational Fishing to be directly involved in those
negotiations and, at the very least, be able to speak about the process with relevance to his
own portfolio. Does Minister Kirby Fish and Vote?
“When asked why the Gunner Government is reducing financial support provided to
businesses during the peak impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister – who claims to
know Territory small businesses well – stated emphatically that there is no need for his
government to continue with grant support to help keep NT businesses afloat. So much for
supporting local businesses,” said Ms Boothby.
Shadow Minister for Public Employment, Bill Yan, says it’s concerning the Gunner
Government is slotting in a major change to the NT public sector Code of Conduct which will
impact executive officers, without altering their contracts.
“Through Opposition questioning, it was revealed the Code of Conduct will include an
additional provision relating to executive officers and their financial responsibilities and
performance. Interestingly this was not approved and ratified by the Office of the
Commissioner for Public Employment – but by Michael Gunner’s Labor cabinet.
“Under these changes, penalties for executive agency staff will be determined by the
departmental CEO, which could include warnings, fines or the sack. But if an agency CEO is
investigated, the Chief Executive of the Chief Minister’s department will have ultimate
control,” said Mr Yan.
END