Top treasury bureaucrat David Martine quits after horror budget

Victoria’s top money man David Martine has become the latest senior treasury official to resign, months after this year’s horror budget was handed down.

Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance David Martine has become the latest senior treasury official to quit.

Victoria’s top money man David Martine has become the latest senior treasury official to quit after this year’s horror budget.

After 10 Victorian budgets, Mr Martine, who has served as the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance for more than a decade, has advised the government he will step down from the leading role.

Mr Martine is one of three senior treasury officials to bow out from their roles since May.

Jamie Driscoll, Deputy Secretary, Budget and Finance Division, has advised the government he will be seeking new opportunities after taking a break, while Jason Loos, Deputy Secretary, Commercial Division, has moved to a senior role in the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Treasurer Tim Pallas in a statement on Wednesday thanked Mr Martine for his service, calling him a “truly exceptional public servant”.

Mr Pallas said Mr Martine was a “truly exceptional public servant”. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“I thank Mr Martine for his exemplary performance and leadership in helping to make Victoria the jobs leader and economic powerhouse it is today,” he said.

“Mr Martine has been an integral part of the delivery of 10 Victorian budgets and the stewardship of the state through the pandemic.”

Department of Treasury and Finance Deputy Secretary (Economic) Chris Barrett, who was appointed by the Commonwealth Government to lead the Productivity Commission in July, will step up as Mr Martine’s replacement in September.

The economist has led reforms at various organisations, including as CEO of Invest Victoria, Ambassador to the Australian Mission to the OECD and at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The opposition raised concerns about the government’s decision to appoint Mr Barnett, with shadow treasurer Brad Rowswell flagging an ongoing investigation into the politicisation of the public sector.

“Mr Barrett was a former Chief of Staff to former Federal Labor Treasurer, Wayne Swan, and has previously worked as a senior adviser to former Labor Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley,” Mr Rowswell said in a statement.

“This appointment comes as the Victorian Ombudsman continues her investigation into the politicisation of the public service under the Andrews Government.”

Mr Rowswell said Victoria “must have an apolitical public sector”.

“Victorians must be assured that every senior public service job is based on merit and that every taxpayer dollar spent delivers genuine value for money,” he said.