The Turnbull Government’s reputation for politicising agencies has once again come under fire with findings of the report in to the now departed Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd, concluding his actions were “political” and breached the APS code of conduct.
The Public Service Commissioner is supposed to be an impartial officer who upholds the values of impartiality in the public service. In relation to his links with the IPA, merit protection commissioner Linda Waugh said that Mr Lloyd failed “to uphold the good reputation” of his agency breaching section 13(11) of the APS code of conduct.
The Turnbull Government has presided over a number of politicised appointments and agencies, including Mr Lloyd, the discredited Registered Organisations Commission, former ABCC Commissioner Nigel Hadgkiss, and the stacking of the Fair Work Commission.
It’s no surprise the disgraced former commissioner has had these findings against him. Mr Lloyd was biased when he was the Public Service Commissioner and he remains biased today.
His conduct in the role and his following resignation is an indictment on the Turnbull Government.
Labor believes that our hard working public service and Australian tax payers deserve better.
We can only hope the new commissioner restores the integrity and respect that comes with the position.