Premier Carmen Lawrence today announced the establishment of the Public Sector Standards Commission recommended by the Royal Commission.
The Premier said the Royal Commission recommended the Public Sector Standards Commission be one of the new statutory bodies charged with the scrutiny of official conduct throughout the State Government.
When State Parliament resumed, the Commission would act as an independent authority.
Dr Lawrence said the Commission would be charged with the scrutiny and review of the organisation, management and operations of the public sector and to monitor standards of conduct.
The Director General of the Ministry of the Premier and Cabinet, Mr Digby Blight, would oversee the establishment of the Commission and be its interim Commissioner.
The Premier said Mr Blight had more than 45 years' experience in the Western Australian Public Service, including serving as Assistant Public Service Commissioner where he dealt with issues involving merit classification standards, codes of conduct, recruitment, standards, staff development and training.
"The Public Sector Standards Commission will be located and staffed separately from the present Public Service Commission and some of the Commission's policy functions, such as inter-governmental relations and planning practices, will be transferred to the Department of Cabinet," said Dr Lawrence.
"The Public Sector Standards Commission will operate independently of the Public Service Commission and cover all departments and government agencies.
"The current Public Service Commissioner, Dr Michael Wood, will continue to direct the operations of the balance of the functions of the Commission, which includes recruitment, development and the senior executive service."
