SA:SA govt 'guilty of jobs for the boys'

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2011
SA:SA govt 'guilty of jobs for the boys'

By Tim Dornin

ADELAIDE, Aug 18 AAP - The South Australian government has engaged in a "jobs for the
boys" approach when making appointments to boards and other key positions, Opposition
Leader Isobel Redmond says.

The Liberal leader has called for independent panels to pick candidates for such jobs,
to bring more transparency to the process.

She cited Thursday's appointment of former education minister Jane Lomax-Smith to chair
the board of the South Australian Museum as one that could be questioned.

Ms Lomax-Smith, who was a Labor government minister for eight years, lost her seat
in the 2010 state election.

"We really need to have a much cleaner approach to getting the best person for the
job - not just failed Labor candidates and failed Labor members," Ms Redmond told reporters
on Thursday.

Ms Redmond said positions should be advertised with an independent panel established
to determine which applicant had the best qualifications.

"A merit-based appointment system should be in place for these things," she said.

But Premier Mike Rann said Ms Lomax-Smith had worked in the science, education, government
and business sectors and her experience would be invaluable to the museum.

Mr Rann also welcomed the appointments of BHP Billiton executive Dean Dall Valle to
the board along with Michael Worton, the vice-provost at University College London.

Professor Worton will travel to Adelaide at his own expense to attend board meetings.

"We are privileged to have someone of his experience, contacts and world view to add
to the board's stature." Mr Rann said.

AAP tjd/mp

KEYWORD: APPOINTMENTS

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