Opposition leader criticises Daniel Andrews’ ‘jobs for mates’ culture after Martin Foley appointment

A former key minister and ally of Daniel Andrews has landed his second high-paying government gig, with the move criticised as a continuation of Victoria’s “jobs for mates” culture.

Martin Foley has landed his second government job paying well over $100,000. Picture: Scott McNaughton

A former key minister and Daniel Andrews factional ally has landed another plum role, sparking criticism from the opposition over a “jobs for mates” culture within the Victorian government.

Former health minister Martin Foley has secured a new role as chairman of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), scoring the retired MP up to $150,000 per year.

The cushy new role comes less than two months after Mr Foley began in another board position, chair of Alfred Health, with a salary understood to be up to $133,000.

Opposition leader John Pesutto slammed the decision on Thursday, calling it another example of the Premier having “one rule for his mates and one rule for his foes”.

“So here’s Martin Foley, a friend of Daniel Andrews, getting two very high paying government jobs without any merit selection,” Mr Pesutto said.

Martin Foley most recently served as health minister in the Andrews government. Picture: Brendan Beckett

“Martin Foley is entitled to apply for government jobs, but he doesn’t get the job because he’s Daniel Andrews’ mate. All jobs in the public service should be subject to merit selection.

“That’s all we’re asking for and it’s a very reasonable and principled approach to how the public service should offer.”

Mr Pesutto, who said he was confident that there had been “no merit selection” for the job, added that there was no evidence that the role had been advertised.

The Liberal leader pledged to ensure a proper merit selection process for former MPs, if elected to government.

Mr Foley entered parliament after the ongoing pension scheme was abolished. Instead, he received a one-off $96,000 exit fee.

The former member for Albert Park isn’t the only previous Andrews government minister to land a plum role in recent years.

Former police Minister Lisa Neville was also handed a role as the chair of Barwon Health in June.

Three weeks later, former deputy premier James Merlino also secured his position as chair of the Suburban Rail Loop Authority.

The findings of a Victorian ombudsman investigation into misconduct in public organisations, released last week, found a jobs for mates culture continued to plague the public sector, along with a misuse of public funds.