David Crisafulli terminates tenure of Premier and Cabinet director-general Mike Kaiser

Incoming premier David Crisafulli has terminated the tenure of Queensland’s top bureaucrat and Labor stalwart Mike Kaiser and named the man who will act in his place.

Mike Kaiser with Steven Miles during a estimates hearing at Parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Incoming premier David Crisafulli has terminated the tenure of Department of Premier and Cabinet Director-General Mike Kaiser.

Mr Crisafulli requested Mr Kaiser’s resignation early Sunday morning.

The outgoing top bureaucrat was the target of criticism from the LNP during his 10 months in the role for his historic links to the Labor Party as an MP and state secretary.

Despite the sacking, Mr Kaiser sent his congratulations to Mr Crisafulli for becoming premier.

“As expected, he wants to work with someone else as his Director-General at Department of the Premier and Cabinet,” he said.

“I fully respect his decision and hope my attitude goes some way to overcoming the nonsense that Premiers can’t choose their head of department in a modern democracy.

“I’m confident I’ve left the culture in good shape.”

Mr Kaiser praised the state’s public service.

“Thank you to the bold but faithful public servants I’ve worked with... and thank you to the former Premier Steven Miles for the opportunity to work in this role for the people of Queensland,” he said.

“Your commitment and work ethic are an inspiration.”

Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie will be the Premier-elect’s interim top bureaucrat.

Mr Crisafulli confirmed he had spoken to Director-General Mike Kaiser, who he said had been gracious in preparing the office of Premier and Cabinet for a change of the guard.

Mr Kaiser will now leave the public service.

Mr Mackie will be the acting Director-General.

Originally published as David Crisafulli terminates tenure of Premier and Cabinet director-general Mike Kaiser