Dominic Perrottet confirms David Elliott spoke to him about NSW governor position
Transport Minister David Elliott discussed the possibility of him becoming governor after leaving politics, the NSW Premier said on Monday.
NSW
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NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has not denied that Transport Minister David Elliott expressed a desire to be appointed as the state’s next governor.
The Daily Telegraph revealed on Monday that Mr Elliott discussed the possibility that he could become governor after leaving politics.
Asked on 2GB if he discussed that possibility with Mr Elliott, Mr Perrottet laughed at the suggestion - but did not deny it.
“From time to time members of parliament will always say to their colleagues what they would like to do after politics,” he said.
“People come to me or come to my colleagues and say ‘when I leave parliament I’d like to do A, B, and C’. I’m not getting into private discussions like that.”
The Premier also confirmed Transport Minister David Elliott came to him to canvas future options, however has denied claims he promised Mr Elliott two trade-related positions, including a new parliamentary secretary position.
“I am not going into private conversations. At that time, Mr Elliott did not want to recontest the next election but was interested in being part of the team,” the NSW Premier told 2GB’s Ben Fordham after being called by NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns to front media to confirm the nature of his discussions with Mr Elliott.
“The allegations in relation to the creation of a role that I would give to somebody outside politics is completely false and offensive.
“From time to time, members of parliament, when they’re seeking to leave parliament, will talk to colleagues in relation to what they might want to do next. They’re natural conversations,” the Premier said.
“David and I canvassed opportunities for him to continue to serve and to make a contribution for the people of our state … we discussed a range of opportunities.
“A number of those jobs did not exist, because I create parliamentary roles every shuffle we have.”
The NSW Premier was reluctant to dive further into discussions regarding Mr Elliott.
“Premier, I don’t know why we are getting into this, unless there’s something I don’t know about,” said Fordham.
“David Elliott was never promised a job outside of politics, that is deeply offensive and wrong but indeed people from time to time have discussions in relation to when someone retires, what they would like to do. That is normal. That isn’t completely unusual.”
Premier Perrottet insisted the final decision made regarding the appointment of trade commissioner roles is made by the department’s secretary.
“There’s an independent process where private citizens can apply for jobs and the department’s secretary is the one who makes the final decision.
“It has become very clear that there are flaws in that process, I have established an independent review,” said Mr Perrottet.
This then led the Premier to address the resignation of Penrith MP, Stuart Ayres.
“I have sought for a review into former deputy Mr Ayres, whether there was a breach of ministerial conduct.
“It’s important to get to the facts … it’s only fair to him that a process be conducted,” said the Premier.
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