OPPOSITION Deputy Leader Tim Mander has asked Deputy Premier Jackie Trad why she met with two candidates for the position of principal of a new high school in her South Brisbane electorate.
“If these meetings were not about interfering in the selection process, what on early were they for?” he asked.
Ms Trad said she had always been a strong advocate and fighter for a new inner-city high school to deal with the rapidly-growing student numbers at Brisbane State High.
“I am incredibly proud that I have been able to deliver that for my community,” she said.
Ms Trad went through the selection process, as outlined in a statement issued this morning by Education Department Director-General Tony Cook.
She said the department had invited her to meet with both candidates and her meeting with the first candidate in the first recruitment process lasted for 15 minutes.
“Following the second recruitment and selection process, the department contacted me again to meet another candidate,” she said.
“I was unable to do so but I did have a telephone conversation after her appointment and before her announcement as the successful candidate.
“At no time, as is stated in the director-general’s statement, did I seek to involve myself in the selection decision-making process.”
– Jessica Marszalek
