State’s new Child Protection Department chief Cathy Taylor will be paid $385,000
THE head of the state’s new Child Protection Department will be paid $385,000 a year, it is understood.
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THE head of the state’s new Child Protection Department will be paid $385,000 a year, it is understood.
Queensland expert Cathy Taylor will take up the role on October 31.
Opposition Deputy Leader Vickie Chapman said Ms Taylor’s five-year contract, seen by Liberal staff, included a $385,000 annual salary but no provisions for bonuses.
It comes as Opposition Leader Steven Marshall revealed in Parliament details on the resignation of former Families SA boss David Waterford.
Mr Waterford resigned following revelations that former Families SA carer Shannon McCoole had been arrested on child sex charges.
At the time, Mr Waterford released a written statement saying he had misinformed the then minister, Jennifer Rankine, about the case.
During Question Time on Wednesday, Mr Marshall read from emails between Mr Waterford and his boss, former Education and Child Development Department chief executive Tony Harrison, released through Freedom of Information laws.
An email by Mr Waterford, dated July 26, 2014, tells Mr Harrison: “I am happy to make a statement to the media if that will assist in management of the fallout. However, I am also happy (to) slip away and refuse to make any comment.”
Last month The Advertiser obtained a copy of Mr Waterford’s official resignation letter in which he blamed “tiredness and emotional stress” for his failure to tell Ms Rankine of red flags raised about McCoole.
Mr Waterford quit after a series of Advertiser reports revealed McCoole had been reported for behaviour with a child in his care, and psychometric testing had raised concerns.
Child Protection Reform Minister John Rau said on Wednesday he did not “know anything about this particular email” but would “make inquiries” and return answers to Parliament.
The Nyland Royal Commission into the child protection system was prompted by McCoole’s crimes. It recommended separating Families SA from the Education Department. The Government agreed and announced Ms Taylor’s appointment last week.
Ms Chapman said Ms Taylor’s contract did not include a requirement for her to ensure the department shares information with others about its performance, as recommended by the Nyland report.