Article: Transport boss Michael Caltabiano signals Queensland Rail shake-up

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Mansfield MP Ian Walker appointed Arts Minister following resignation of Ros Bates

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/2/17/premier-announces-ministerial-appointments

Media Statements
Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman
Sunday, February 17, 2013

Premier announces Ministerial appointments

Premier Campbell Newman has announced the appointment of Ian Walker to the Queensland Government Cabinet, as Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts.

The Premier said Mr Walker had deserved his promotion to Cabinet after performing strongly in his role as the Assistant Minster for Planning Reform.

"Ian has the ability, experience and passion to be a strong Minister and his appointment is well deserved," Mr Newman said.

"Ian has successfully led the government's planning reform agenda that has seen local government further empowered and red-tape cut.

"As Minister, Ian will play an important role in overseeing initiatives to drive the arts sector across the state and ensure the arts is accessible for all Queenslanders. 

"He will also drive the whole-of-government IT audit to better understand our capabilities and priorities and avoid another $1.2 billion health payroll Labor Party debacle."

Mr Walker said he was particularly excited at the prospect of once again being deeply involved in Queensland's arts scene.

"I have had a long association and love of the arts.   As Minister I want to see all aspects of our lively arts scene - from high culture to broad community participation - given the exposure and support it deserves," Mr Walker said.

Mr Newman also announced that Rob Molhoek would become Assistant Minister for Planning Reform and Tarnya Smith would be promoted to Assistant Minister for Child Safety.

"Rob has extensive experience in local government, giving him the perfect background to continue our planning reform agenda," Mr Newman said

"He will play an important role in engaging with local councils on a range of issues, including legal protection for councils from inappropriate development on flood-prone land.

"I congratulate Tarnya on her appointment as Assistant Minister.  She is a hard working local member who will bring the same energy to her new position to make Queensland the safest place for children in the country."

[ENDS] 17 February 2013

Bios

Ian Walker

Ian is the Member for Mansfield.  He has a distinguished career in the legal sector, having worked in a prominent Queensland law firm since 1976 and becoming a partner in 1984.

That firm has grown to become one of the world's 10 largest law firms. Ian was Managing Partner of the Brisbane Office.

Active in Queensland's Arts scene, Ian chaired the Board of Queensland's successful chamber orchestra the "Camerata of St John's" between 2007 and 2011.

Rob Molhoek

Rob is the Member for Southport.  He began his career with Woolworths Big W, becoming one of the company's youngest senior managers.

Rob has owned and operated numerous small businesses including coffee shops, a fitness centre, and a chain of rural based pizza stores.

In 2004 Rob was elected to the Gold Coast City Council where he served one term and served as the Chairman of the City's Finance and Internal Services Committee.

Rob was the founding Chair of the Gold Coast Community Fund, the Chair of the Gold Coast NRL Titans Community Foundation, and is a mentor to many community leaders.

Tarnya Smith

Tarnya is Member for Mount Ommaney.  She is a community advocate, small business owner, a wife and mother of three.

As a mother she understands the importance of providing the safest possible environment for our children. She also has extensive background human resources, within both Queensland Health and the private enterprise sector.

She also understands the vital role that volunteer community groups play within the electorate of Mount Ommaney. Tarnya is a keen a local supporter and donor to many community groups, including the Magpie's Junior Rugby League Football Club, WASP Junior Rugby Union and Little Athletics.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Chris O'Brien ‏@ChrisOBrienABC

. @theqldpremier won't comment on Caltabiano contract termination except has not heard from CMC. @ABCNewsBrisbane http://t.co/HmHaM3Lk

Twitter

TheQldPublicServant ‏@QPublicServant

Premier Newman today continued refusing to tell Qlders why his close mate Caltabiano was sacked as Transport D-G. What is he hiding? #qldpol

[ozbob]

From The Australian click here!

Newman takes blame for failed appointment

Newman takes blame for failed appointment

    by: Sarah Elks
    From: The Australian
    February 17, 2013 12:44PM

PREMIER Campbell Newman says he won't reveal "for legal reasons" why he sacked a handpicked top department chief, but admits he takes personal responsibility for the appointment failure.

Mr Newman terminated the contract of main roads and transport director-general Michael Caltabiano on Friday and accepted the resignation of trouble-prone Arts Minister Ros Bates the same day.

Announcing former lawyer Ian Walker as Ms Bates' replacement today, Mr Newman said "of course" he took personal responsibility for the appointment failures.

"But I also take responsibility for a whole lot of good things this government has done," he said.

He refused to say why he had sacked Mr Caltabiano but denied receiving an update from the parliamentary Ethics Committee or the Crime and Misconduct Commission about their investigations into alleged wrongdoing by the department head.

"I've given him one month's notice," he said.

"It's now a matter of formal process; for legal reasons I'm not going to talk about it at all today."

He said the departures were a sign of an open and accountable government.

"If you sweep away all the hype, people who haven't performed, who had let the side down, either have been removed or have understood they have to do the right thing and go," Mr Newman said.

"I am pleased to lead an open and accountable government."

[Golliwog]

I'd still like to know what it is that's driven him to give Caltabiano the boot now, rather than when this first began, or when the investigations are complete.

[nathandavid88]

My guess is that Newman either did get an interim report, or had something else come to the fore that was enough to warrant giving him the boot rather than risk future embarrassment. As the investigation is ongoing, I can see why he can't say anything at the moment. As long as everything comes to light afterwards, that's the important thing.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Queensland transport boss did good work: minister

Queensland transport boss did good work: minister
February 18, 2013 - 1:30PM

The Queensland premier's hand-picked transport boss did some good work for the state before he was sacked, the transport minister says.

Premier Campbell Newman on Friday axed Michael Caltabiano, the former Liberal MP he chose to become the director-general of the Transport and Main Roads Department.

Mr Caltabiano spent six months on the job before he stood aside in October amid suggestions of nepotism involving the son of former arts minister Ros Bates.

By the time his contract terminates in mid-March, Mr Caltabiano will have spent 20 weeks off the job, but on full pay of almost $10,000 a week before tax.

Queensland's Crime and Misconduct Commission is investigating the appointment of Ms Bates's son, Ben Gommers, to a well-paid job in Mr Caltabiano's department.

Mr Caltabiano is alleged to have misled a budget estimates hearing about his work history with Mr Gommers.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson was asked on Monday if Mr Caltabiano's tenure offered value for money for taxpayers.

"I think Michael has done a lot of good work for the state during that time," he replied.

"Obviously ... this has ended in unfortunate circumstances."

He said he stood by his decision to refer Mr Caltabiano to parliament's ethics committee, and by the premier's decision to terminate the bureaucrat's employment.

The premier did not offer a reason for his decision to sack Mr Caltabiano, which happened just hours after Ms Bates resigned as arts minister for health and family reasons.

The CMC investigation, and another by parliament's ethics committee, are yet to conclude. Mr Caltabiano has denied any wrongdoing.

AAP

[SurfRail]

I can't work out if this is genuine or just an attempt to damn him with faint praise.

[somebody]

I can't work out if this is genuine or just an attempt to damn him with faint praise.

I thought he showed some promise.  Reforming QR in particular is quite needed.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th February 2013

Re: Transport clarification needed

Greetings,

Some clear direction is needed.  As evidenced on the Brisbane Times blog yesterday, there are more than some lingering concerns ...

-->  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-transport-boss-did-good-work-minister-20130218-2ems4.html#comments

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

17th February 2013

Transport clarification needed

Greetings,

Startling developments these past days with the sacking of Mr Caltabiano from the position of DG TMR.

Senior bureaucrat Michael Caltabiano sacked http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/senior-bureaucrat-michael-caltabiano-sacked-20130215-2ehyn.htm

The public would like to know what is going to happen now.  Is Mr Scales to return to his position as DDG TransLink?  Who will be appointed as DG TMR?  Would it make sense to re-appoint Mr Stewart?

There is much to do for public transport in SEQ and throughout Queensland.  Bus and fare review imminent.   TransLink is taking over Q-Connect.   Cross River Rail is languishing.  Long distance travel review is underway.

Are there to be any ministerial changes involving Transport and Main Roads?

Some clear direction as to what is to happen is needed to assert public confidence.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Newman hits back in Caltabiano row

[SurfRail]

^ The word "dropkick" springs to mind, and certainly not in relation to Dougo.

[ozbob]

The Australian --> Newman to be sued over sacking

CAMPBELL Newman's hand-picked transport boss Michael Caltabiano is planning to launch a lawsuit for breach of contract after he was sacked last week from his $490,000-a-year job.

The former state MP and Liberal Party president has engaged lawyers and is preparing legal action against Mr Newman over his dismissal amid two investigations.

Mr Newman also faces a backlash within the Liberal National Party over his sackings of Mr Caltabiano and IT minister Ros Bates, both of whom belong to a faction headed by former Queensland senator and lobbyist Santo Santoro.

Mr Caltabiano declined to comment as his former boss, Transport Minister Scott Emerson, said his sacked departmental director-general had done a good job since being appointed by Mr Newman after the March 2012 election.

"I think Michael has done a lot of good work for the state during that time," he said. "Obviously . . . this has ended in unfortunate circumstances."

Mr Emerson said he stood by his decision to refer Mr Caltabiano to parliament's ethics committee, and by the Premier's decision to terminate the bureaucrat's employment.

The Premier did not offer a reason for his decision to sack Mr Caltabiano, which happened just hours after Ms Bates resigned as minister for health and family reasons ...

More --> here!

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Sacked bureaucrat could sue: Qld premier

[ozbob]

Statement  Alex Douglas MP --> Premier must take personal responsibility for Caltabiano fiasco

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Newman silent on deal for Caltabiano

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24th February 2013

Transport clarification needed

Greetings,

Following the sacking of the former DG of Transport and Main Roads for reasons not publicly known, the public would like to know what is going to happen now?  Is Mr Scales to return to his position as DDG TransLink?  Who will be appointed as DG TMR?  Would it make sense to re-appoint Mr Stewart?  Surely the future leadership of both TMR and TransLink is not a state secret, and needs to be spelled out at this critical conjunction.

There is much to do for public transport in SEQ and throughout Queensland.  Bus and fare review underway.   TransLink is taking over Q-Connect.   Cross River Rail is languishing.  Long distance travel review is underway.

Some clear direction as to what is to happen is needed to assert public confidence.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[tomato]

Interesting question posed a couple of posts back... as to the timing of all this.....

This is really the first (full) week Qld parliament has sat in 2013....

This page shows a number of Committees sitting http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/en/work-of-committees/Upcoming-Committee-Business

" THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013
Ethics Committee
Private meeting

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Committee Room 1

Here is the link to the Ethics Committee ...& the "Current Inquiries" on hand

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/ETHICS

" Ethics Committee

Current Inquiries

    Matter of privilege referred by the Speaker on 29 November 2012 relating to an alleged deliberate misleading of the House by a Member
   
Matter of privilege referred by the Speaker on 29 November 2012 relating to an alleged contempt of the removal of documents from members' desks in the Chamber

    Matter of privilege referred by the Speaker on 28 November 2012 relating to alleged reflections on the Chair

    Matter of privilege referred by the Speaker on 27 November 2012 relating to an alleged deliberate misleading of the House by the Leader of the Opposition

    Matter of privilege referred by the Speaker on 27 November 2012 relating to an alleged deliberate misleading of the House by a Member

    Matter of privilege referred by the Speaker on 31 October 2012 relating to an alleged deliberate misleading of the House by a Minister, or in the alternative, an alleged deliberate misleading of the Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee by a Chief Executive Officer

    Matter of privilege referred by the Speaker on 31 October 2012 relating to an alleged intimidation of a Member by a legal firm

    Matter of privilege referred by the Speaker on 25 October 2012 relating to an alleged deliberate misleading of the Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee by a Chief Executive Officer..."

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times 28th February 2013 page 9

Transport uncertainty

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Premier Campbell Newman facing calls to abandon hand-picking of senior bureaucrats

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Former transport boss Michael Caltabiano matter referred to Director of Public Prosecutions

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Misconduct allegations against former transport head Michael Caltabiano referred to Director of Public Prosecutions

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Former Queensland Transport and Main Roads Director-General Michael Caltabiano offering new business solutions interstate

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Parliamentary ethics to reopen probe into sacked Qld bureaucrat Caltabiano

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Newman says Caltabiano affair the lowlight

[Golliwog]

Brisbanetimes --> Newman says Caltabiano affair the lowlight

...the lowlight that they'll publicly admit to anyway. 

[#Metro]

I thought the handballing of the bus review to BCC and the fares smoke and mirrors cover-up stunk. 
But that's just me.

[ozbob]

I thought the handballing of the bus review to BCC and the fares smoke and mirrors cover-up stunk. 
But that's just me.

I think the Premier rightly expected a better outcome from the bus reviews hence more room for fare review.  Bit of stalemate now which will be costly electorally if not sorted soon ....

[ozbob]

Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls

Government thanks outgoing Projects Queensland head

Treasurer Tim Nicholls has thanked Projects Queensland Executive Director Dave Stewart for his service to the Queensland Government.

Mr Stewart leaves Queensland after a career spanning more than three decades in the public service and Brisbane City Council, to take up a position as Director-General of the New South Wales Department of Transport.

He has previously served in some of the Queensland Public Service's most senior roles, including as Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Mr Nicholls said Mr Stewart had been integral to the outstanding success of Projects Queensland.

"Dave Stewart has done a fantastic job leading Projects Queensland since its inception," Mr Nicholls said.

"Under his stewardship, Projects Queensland has advanced the business case for the second Toowoomba Range Crossing, secured a contract for the Government Wireless Network project and successfully initiated the 1 William Street development, which is a great result for Queenslanders that will create 1,000 jobs a year for the next four years," Mr Nicholls said.

"On behalf of the Queensland Government, I'd like to thank Mr Stewart for his hard work and dedication to the people of Queensland and wish him all the best for the future."

Mr Nicholls said the Newman Government would commence a recruitment process immediately for Mr Stewart's successor, to ensure a smooth transition for the important work being undertaken by Projects Queensland.

"Projects Queensland is part of the government's commitment to delivering better infrastructure and cutting government waste by finishing projects on time and on budget," he said.

"It has been involved in some 75 transactions since its commencement and has led the development of a number of significant infrastructure projects for the State."

[ENDS] 17 October 2013

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Top public servant replaced by Michael Caltabiano, then rehired, has quit to work in NSW

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Marathon CMC probe into appoinment of Main Roads staffer clears Michael Caltibiano