Former MP Mike Kaiser to be appointed to Director-General role
A former Queensland Labor MP who once admitted to involvement in vote-rigging will become a top State Government bureaucrat in a move welcomed by industry but attacked by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s political rivals.
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A disgraced ex-Labor MP who played a central role in the state government’s COVID-19 economic recovery will become a top bureaucrat, sparking accusations Annastacia Palaszczuk was “handing out” jobs to “mates”.
Mike Kaiser has been appointed the Resources Department’s Acting Director-General, beginning in January for three months.
Labor’s ‘Wunderkind’ Mike Kaiser playing the long game
The former Labor State Secretary and Woodridge MP resigned from parliament in 2001 after admitting to involvement in vote-rigging in party ballots in the 1980s.
Now a partner at KPMG, Mr Kaiser advised the government on its response to the pandemic, with the firm landing a lucrative contract earlier this year.
He was also former premier Anna Bligh’s chief of staff when the coal seam gas industry began growing.
His appointment has been welcomed by key figures in the resources industry, however Manager of Opposition Business Jarrod Bleijie slammed the announcement, claiming “it didn’t take long” for the Premier “to start handing out the jobs for Labor mates”.
“Unbelievable that Mike Kaiser who was forced to resign from parliament because of a branch stacking inquiry where he admitted his involvement in a vote-rigging rort is now a DG,” he tweeted.
“He was also Anna Bligh’s chief of staff who oversaw the Qld Health payroll debacle and sold Qld assets.”
But a government spokesman said for the past five years, Mr Kaiser had been a partner with KPMG.
“He is appointed on a temporary basis,” he said. “A selection process will follow.”
Ms Palaszczuk claimed to not know who Mr Kaiser was earlier this year at a press conference when a journalist mispronounced his name.
Mr Kaiser declined to comment on the appointment when contacted yesterday.
Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the body was looking forward to working with Mr Kaiser.
“I think it’s a great appointment, he’ll bring some fresh momentum to the department,” he said.
Santos CEO and chairman of the gas industry’s peak body APPEA Kevin Gallagher said Mr Kaiser brought a strong appreciation of the importance of the gas industry to Queensland jobs and business opportunities, especially in the regions.
A BHP spokesman said the company also welcomed the appointment of Mr Kaiser.
“Mr Kaiser’s vast experience will be an asset for the state’s recourse industry,” he said. “We look forward to working with Mr Kaiser, the Minister and the newly formed Department of Mines as we work to help the state’s economic recovery.”
Meanwhile Newgate Communications partner and respected sports administrator John Lee has been appointed acting Director-General for Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
Among other appointments are former Deputy Police Commissioner Bob Gee, who has been heading the youth justice department since last year, will head Agriculture and Fisheries from early next year.
Former Under Treasurer Frankie Carroll will continue in his role as Director-General for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.
Dave Stewart will remain as the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Director-General while Rachel Hunter will remain as the Under Treasurer.
CONFIRMED APPOINTMENTS
– Department of Premier and Cabinet DG – Dave Stewart (Continuing appointment)
– Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning DG – Damien Walker (Continuing appointment)
– Co-ordinator-General – Toni Power – (Continuing appointment)
– Under Treasurer – Rachel Hunter (Continuing appointment)
– Department of Education DG – Tony Cook (Continuing appointment)
– Queensland Health DG – John Wakefield (Continuing appointment)
– Department Transport and Main Roads DG – Neil Scales (Continuing appointment)
– Department of Energy and Public Works DG – James Purtill (Continuing appointment)
– Department of Justice and Attorney-General DG – David Mackie (Continuing appointment)
– Queensland Police Commissioner – Katarina Carroll (Continuing appointment)
– Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner – Peter Martin (Continuing appointment)
– Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner – Greg Leach (Continuing appointment)
– Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport – John Lee (acting Director-General)
– Department of Agriculture and Fisheries DG – Bob Gee (to transition from Youth Justice from early 2021)
– Department of Communities and Housing and Digital Economy DG – Clare O’Conner (Continuing appointment)
– Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water DG – Frankie Carroll (Continuing appointment)
– Department of Employment, Small Business and Training DG – Warwick Agnew (Continuing appointment)
– Department of Seniors and Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships – Chris Sarra (Continuing appointment of Director-General) & Mary-Anne Curtis (Continuing appointment of Associate Director-General Seniors and Disability Services)
– Department of Resources – Mike Kaiser (acting Director-General)
– Department of Environment and Science DG – Jamie Merrick (Continuing appointment)
– Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs DG – Deidre Mulkerin (Continuing appointment)