Fixing the Queensland Public Service or putting in a new political ‘fix’?

Establish an interim appointment process and think about more lasting reforms

Second, in this interregnum establish a temporary independent, apolitical board to:

• Review all senior positions and make new appointments;

• Be headed by a person of stature, real public service experience and preferably from outside of Queensland and untainted by partisanship or any hint of 'cronyism';

• Be unlike the Newman Government's Audit Commission which was primarily an exercise in public expenditure cuts; and

• Be the forerunner of a re-established statutorily based public service board (PSB), that in the past insulated the public service from direct political interference and restrained excessive bureaucratic fiddling. Such bodies were abolished across Australia during the 1980s and 1990s.

Avoid excessive policy, political and administrative centralisation

Third, avoid the trend of over-centralisation of government in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Premier's Office.

While Premier Cristafulli understandably wants to make sure his ministers are tracking the right way and to overcome departmental 'siloism'. The trend in government in recent years in Australia has been centralisation of decision making in the hands of the Premier's Department and Premier's Office. It causes numerous problems – duplication of the work and knowledge of line departments, interference in ministerial decision making, and it slows down decision making.

What is needed, however, is a small unit untainted by departmentalism or attachment to review government priorities, tries to look at issues across government and to report to cabinet – not just the premier. It is hard to do, but there are examples that could be followed.

Consider reducing the size of the ministry over time

Fourth, consider reducing the size of the ministry. Under the previous government there were 19 ministers and 8 assistant ministers – a total of 27 – that represents nearly 30 per cent of the parliament or if the LNP procures 52 seats some 50 per cent of its members will become part of the executive. Almost everyone gets a prize. Cutting the ministry means fewer executive jobs to go around. At the same time, it allows the Premier to choose more carefully who joins the front bench and improves competition for positions within the government. It also sends a clear message to the public that the new government is not about ministerial perks.

Cull ministerial staff and improve selection processes and accountability

Fifth, under nearly ten years of Labor governments ministerial staff numbers increased dramatically as in other jurisdictions. Most such staff are partisan, often with little administrative experience, and usually appointed directly by ministers. A dangerous development and very much against the recommendations of the original Fitzgerald Inquiry, has been the growth in government and ministerial media units. So, before the ministerial staff appointment process starts, review staff numbers and have an independent selection process. In other words, set an example for the rest of the public service.

Revisit the Coaldrake Report

Sixth, outline the government's position in relation to the 2022 Coaldrake Review of Culture and Accountability in the Queensland Public Sector. It made numerous recommendations to improve public service integrity. The previous government promised to implement those recommendations as did the LNP opposition. Progress has been slow. Surely, an important step in developing a "world class public service" would be a clear ministerial statement as to where the new government stands in relation to all the Coaldrake Report's 14 recommendations including its most controversial concerning the release of documents about cabinet decisions.

A final word – articulate a clear vision and state your principles

Premier Crisafulli wants a "world class public service" which is highly laudable. As issues about the public sector were not well-outlined by the LNP before the election because of their "small target" strategy, it is now urgent that they should now be addressed. The Premier needs to articulate exactly what a "world class public service" means – what are the principles that underpin it, what are its practical manifestations, and how do we know when we have such a public service in this state? Otherwise, it is just business, or rather, politicisation as usual!