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Cooling off period needed before senior bureaucrats move to private sector
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Commenting on the resignation of the Transport Director General, JimGlasson, to join a major taxi and bus company, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon
has called on Premier Nathan Rees to legislate for a cooling off
period to ensure senior bureaucrats do not move straight into
companies that will benefit from their expertise. (SMH page 5, May
23, 2009)
"Jim Glasson's years as a top bureaucrat, co-ordinating policy and
programs for the Ministry of Transport, make him an invaluable asset
to his new employer ComfortDepGro Cabcharge," Ms Rhiannon said.
"ComfortDepGro Cabcharge is no stranger to the NSW Government or the
Ministry of Transport.
“Mr Glasson in his senior positions in the Ministry of Transport would
have been in regular negotiations with this company, the second
largest private bus operator in NSW and a major taxi company.
"The wealth of experience Mr Glasson would have developed in preparing
contacts make him an excellent catch for ComfortDepGro Cabcharge,
which clearly now has a market edge in future negotiations.
"This is not a good look for the Premier. He should ensure that there
is no repeat of this clear conflict of interest developing.
“NSW needs legislation that establishes a cooling off period for
former senior bureaucrats, ministers and premiers before they can take
up a job in business close to their area of expertise.
"This would better ensure propriety in the post-separation period.
"In NSW there is legislation restricting what jobs ex-police and
liquor and gaming officials can walk into. A former head of a
department has far greater power and influence and similar safeguards
should surely apply.
"These senior bureaucrats receive a substantial salary that would
provide padding for such a cooling off period.
“Cabcharge already have a close relationship with NSW ALP having
donated almost $170,000 since 2003. From April 2007 to June 2008
Cabcharge representatives attended seven fundraising events and gave
$33,000," Ms Rhiannon said.
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