‘Changing nature of political careers’ behind board wait time cut, Cook says

WA Premier Roger Cook has defended his decision to halve the wait time for former members of parliament to be remunerated on state government boards due to the “changing nature of political careers”.

It was revealed on Tuesday the government had reduced the cooling-off period for retired MPs to be paid for lucrative or influential taxpayer-funded roles from 12 months to six months.

It allowed former colleagues like Labor heavyweight Sue Ellery and one-term MP Lara Dalton to net an additional $30,000 each more than they would otherwise have been entitled to.

The change drew accusations of “jobs for mates” from across the political divide and from independent think tanks, who take aim at Labor for not announcing the rule change.

However, in a statement, the premier told 9News Perth and WAtoday appointments to state government boards and committees had been published online.

“We have been completely transparent,” the statement read.

“The decision to reduce the wait time for board remuneration for former members of Parliament to six months came after considerations over the changing nature of political careers.

“These days, former MPs often continue their working lives at the end of their terms, which has not always been the case. Many feel they have more to give back to their community and their state.”

The change was made through a Premier’s Circular, regulatory reviews made after each state election. The updated Circular was uploaded to the state government website but was not announced to media or the public.

Treasurer and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti dismissed concerns on Wednesday, as publishing it online made it “there for all to see”. The premier said he supported the approach.

“Details on the policy regarding boards and committees is available in the Premier’s Circular, which was published online and communicated and distributed to the public sector,” Cook’s statement continued.

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas vowed to reverse the decision if elected premier in the 2029 election.

“This is an issue that goes to integrity and transparency of our leaders and government,” Zempilas told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

“There is a pattern of behaviour that is emerging with this Premier and this government. No consultation on this, just done. No consultation on the ferries or Fraser Suites or the racetrack.

“Decisions are being made on what appears to be a weekly basis with no consultation of the public … there it is, like it or leave it.”

Ellery retired from parliament in May after 24 years and was quickly appointed as a non-executive director to the Keystart board, a position paying between $32,292 and $60,278.

Under the new rules, the Labor veteran can be paid for the role from November, allowing her to net up to an additional $30,139 she would not have previously been entitled to.

Similarly, 9News Perth revealed on Tuesday that Dalton, the former member for Geraldton, would receive a similar remuneration six months early.

Both have been operating in their roles voluntarily since July 1.