Premier Steven Marshall’s changes to the public service likely to include replacement of several executives

PREMIER Steven Marshall has confirmed there will be “substantial changes” at the highest levels of the SA public service, with expectations of multiple chief executive resignations and possible terminations.

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PREMIER Steven Marshall has confirmed there will be “substantial changes” at the highest levels of the SA public service, with expectations of multiple chief executive resignations and possible terminations.

By law, department chief executives are responsible for the hiring and firing of staff beneath them but can themselves be removed by the Premier.

The Liberals have been highly critical of the former government’s “politicisation” of the public service, as Labor figures have been given plum appointments. Department of Premier and Cabinet chief executive Don Russell was an adviser to former Labor prime minister Paul Keating.

Asked yesterday when he expected the resignations of public service chiefs, some of whom have been central to scandals plaguing their departments, Mr Marshall said: “The chaotic organisation of the public service under Labor has to stop. Yes, there are going to be substantial changes.” He added that his government would stop chief executives and departments reporting to multiple ministers.

Asked how many senior executives would be replaced, he said: “Detail is being worked through at the moment”.

Premier Steven Marshall.

Treasurer Rob Lucas.

Treasurer Rob Lucas told The Advertiser he expected some chief executives who had “loyally” served Labor would now quit of their own accord.

“If that doesn’t occur, inevitably with any new administration there will be some changeover of chief executives,” he said. “There will be some change in chief executives. That’s, I think, understood and accepted.

“It should be no surprise to anyone that there would be at the very least resignations from a small number.”

After re-election in 2014, former premier Jay Weatherill oversaw a clean-out of 11 Department of Premier and Cabinet senior executives.