Questions over experience of new construction board boss Maree Wauchope

An under-fire government board has been hit by claims its new boss doesn’t have the right experience – but she’s hit back.

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The new head of an embattled taxpayer-funded board is embroiled in controversy just weeks after being appointed over claims she lacks relevant industry experience.

Government documents show regional council chief Maree Wauchope was last month appointed the Construction, Industry and Training Board’s chairwoman for a two-year term.

But in a new blow for the under-fire board, the Opposition and industry sources have questioned the former public servant’s lack of construction and building industry experience.

Ms Wauchope, Barunga West Council’s chief executive officer on the Yorke Peninsula, hit back at what she said were attempts to exploit the “organisation as a political football”.

She said had “extensive experience on major infrastructure projects”.

Maree Wauchope

The new war of words follows a series of lavish board spending controversies including billing taxpayers $47,000 on an anniversary dinner for 110 people as well as rows over members’ experience and interstate travel.

Ms Wauchope, a former senior Transport Department bureaucrat and consultant, replaced industry veteran Peter Kennedy, as the board’s $18,574-a-year presiding member.

It was authorised by Governor Hieu Van Le on command from Premier Steven Marshall.

Mr Kennedy, who did not wish to seek another term having made a positive “contribution”, spent 40 years at major construction company Hansen Yuncken including as chief executive and chairman.

Opposition spokesman Stephen Mullighan said the new appointment raised questions for Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni.

“The Minister can’t justify why highly regarded, 40-year industry veteran Peter Kennedy has been dumped in favour of someone with little experience in building and construction,” he said.

“It’s clear the Minister’s personal appointments have seen the board distracted with politics and manoeuvring rather than focusing on the industry.”

Labor also questioned the board’s new training plan having scant details on how it will assist business through the COVID-19 crisis.

Ms Wauchope said she would ensure the board spent its money thoughtfully.

“I have been involved in the construction industry for 20 years, both in government helping deliver major projects, and in the private sector managing civil and building works,” she said.

“It is disappointing that at a time when South Australia needs the CITB more than ever, some choose to use (it) as a political football.

“It is vital that everyone who cares about this state’s future gets behind the new board.

“We need support, not cheap point scoring, to ensure our construction industry emerges in a strong position from a devastating pandemic.”

Mr Pisoni said Ms Wauchope “brings important gender and regional perspectives to the role” and was appointed due to her governance, procurement, training providing and risk management experience.

He said the training plan “clearly refers to COVID-19 and an increase of more than 70 per cent in apprentice support on the previous year”.