The PSA has been informed that Minister Dominello has met with staff across the Better Regulation Division to apologise for comments he made (allegedly taken out of context) in an article that was in yesterday’s edition of The Australian Financial Review titled ‘One customer platform to ‘corral’ 28 Regulators’.
Within the article the Minister widely insulted his own Department (going so far as to refer to “these mongrels” with “little hats and fancy uniforms”) and the important work that the Regulator undertakes to keep NSW safe at work, rest and play while announcing that there will be a taskforce established in the new year to develop a single customer platform. It is clear Minister Dominello has zero respect for public servants.
On behalf of our hardworking members the PSA is appalled by the Minister’s comments. The invitation from the Minister to attend the online meeting for his apology did not specify a reason, thereby giving rise to concerns that a negative Christmas message was going to be delivered. We look in vain for a further apology for that one.
After a year where the Government has relied upon the experience and skills of its staff across Better Regulation to help get business open and stay safe as we confront a global pandemic, PSA members are right to feel angered and betrayed by their Minister’s words. Many Inspectors across Better Regulation were appointed as Authorised Officers under the Public Health Act at a moment’s notice and assisted in keeping our state safe throughout the COVID Pandemic.
Perhaps a sincere thank you for your hard work and a decent pay rise would have been a nicer Christmas message from the Minister.