Public sector review
David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:01): (950) My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, I refer to the report produced or being produced by Helen Silver and ask: has all or part of this report or a summary of it been made available to international rating agencies before it is released to the Victorian community?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:02): I thank Mr Davis for his question, and yes, I can confirm, as I have publicly, that Helen Silver AO has been engaged to undertake an independent review of the public sector. That review and report is due to me at the end of the month. I have committed to making that public alongside a government response in relation to provision of that to anybody in advance of a final report.
Members interjecting.
Jaclyn SYMES: No. You asked about rating agencies. I was in New York last week, and I met with the three relevant rating agencies to the state of Victoria, and I brought to the attention of all three of them Helen Silver’s work and gave a high-level overview of what I have asked her to look at, and that was something that they were interested in. When the final report is made public it will be provided to anybody that is interested.
David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:03): As I understand, Minister, you did actually indicate to the house that the report would be released in June.
Members interjecting.
David DAVIS: You did say that actually – you did.
Members interjecting.
David DAVIS: In February. I will get you the date. I read it just before. The report –
Members interjecting.
David DAVIS: You said you will get it in June. When will it thereby be released to the Victorian community? What date?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:03): I was extremely clear with the community and particularly the media when I announced the review and when I announced the terms of reference and that the timeline for the review would be that the report would be presented to me by the end of June. As I have repeated on a number of occasions, it is of course my intention to make the report public. Mr Davis, because this report impacts on people that are employed in the public service, it is responsible to ensure that in releasing the report there is a government response. So I have not committed to releasing the report upon receipt; I have committed to releasing the report alongside a government response. I expect that there is a lot of interest in the report. I have no intention of delaying a release, but I will take the time to ensure that the proper processes are undertaken, which might include cabinet processes.