Senior public servants planning for possible SA Best Cabinet ministers

TOP-LEVEL briefs are being compiled at the highest echelons of the public service for the possibility of an SA Best-led government after the state election.

• ‘No Pokies Nick’ Xenophon rules out banning pokies
• Xenophon, Weatherill, Marshall in state election debate
• SA Best gets big boost from latest Galaxy poll
• SA Best announces eight new female candidates

TOP-LEVEL briefs are being compiled by the public service to prepare for the possibility of an SA Best-led government after the state election.

Before each poll, senior bureaucrats develop an “Incoming Government Brief” with critical department information and background for either a new Labor or Liberal minister.

But The Advertiser has learned major departments are now compiling a “third” briefing document amid mounting expectation either an SA Best MP or another “independent” is appointed to State Cabinet.

Potential kingmaker Nick Xenophon has triggered an unprecedented three-way race for power after his shock announcement four months ago that he would quit the Senate and contest the eastern suburbs seat of Hartley.

PODCAST: OFF THE RECORD - EPISODE 1

He has, however, consistently played down his chances of forming government with either Jay Weatherill’s Labor or Steven Marshall’s Liberals.

SA Best is now fielding candidates in 28 seats, more than the 24 needed to form government in its own right.

Premier Jay Weatherill, State Liberal Leader Steven Marshall and SA Best Leader Nick Xenophon at the SA Press Club political leaders debate last week. Picture: Calum Robertson

Mr Xenophon has ruled out any of his candidates accepting a ministry post if it helps either major party form government, meaning a third brief would only be necessary in the event Mr Xenophon becomes premier.

High-level sources say while the development is significant, it is viewed as appropriate governance and proper contingency planning ahead of the March 17 poll.

It is understood most departments have started compiling the confidential briefings but some are yet to begin as officials wait for more election policies to be publicly announced.

The briefings contain sensitive information about each portfolio and agency including staff details such as headcount, executive salaries and biographies as well as budget, operational and procedural material.

A new minister is told how election promises, and policy pledges, would be introduced.

Traditionally, a “red folder” is written for a potential Labor government and a “blue” binder for a possible incoming Liberal administration. The folder on whoever is sent into opposition is usually destroyed.

Sources say the new “orange” folder edict came after a recent Senior Management Council meeting – a fortnightly gathering of public sector bosses chaired by the Department of Premier and Cabinet chief executive Don Russell. Public Service Association general secretary, Nev Kitchin, said it was “good” planning. A DPC spokeswoman said the briefs were “standard practice”.

“Work is being done to support the development of an incoming government brief, which will be delivered to the successful (party),” she said.

“It is critical (an) incoming government, regardless of political party, is appropriately briefed on processes and protocols and has the advice and information they need to enact their election commitments and policy agenda.”

Independent MP Geoff Brock serves in Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Mr Xenophon says SA Best won’t agree to more government privatisations in South Australia if it holds the balance of power after the election.

Mr Xenophon also voiced strong support for the public service, calling for less use of contract and temporary positions.

“SA Best sees the SA public service as a tremendous asset, something to be reinforced and strengthened, not something to be progressively put on the auctioneer’s block,” he said.

“Proposals for further privatisation won’t receive any support from SA-Best.”