Longtime chief executive Andrew Kirkman still being paid two months after ‘resignation’

A career Territory public servant who ‘quit’ his chief executive’s job in April is still being paid. Read the latest.

Andrew Kirkman

Almost two months after he announced his ”resignation”, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries chief executive Andrew Kirkman will continue to be paid by Territory taxpayers until August — when his contract was due to expire.

Opposition Attorney-General Chansey Paech uncovered the anomaly during Estimates hearings at parliament on Thursday.

Mr Paech tried unsuccessfully to get a straight answer out of Mr Kirkman’s boss, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley, about the bureaucrat’s employment status.

Mr Paech: “Are you able to confirm if the former chief executive is still being paid as a chief executive.”

Mr Maley: “I can confirm he hasn’t resigned so again that question would be to the department of chief minister and cabinet who are handling the recruitment process.

Mr Paech: “So you’re unable to confirm or deny if Andrew Kirkman is still being paid as a chief executive?

Mr Maley: “What I’m saying is he hasn’t resigned and he’s still being paid, exactly what level, you would have to talk to the chief minister’s department and I would ask you to pass that question to them.”

Mr Paech: “Thank you minister I’ll perhaps ask the Minister for Public Employment given Andrew Kirkman told staff he had resigned.”

Andrew Kirkman

The NT News sought further details from Mr Kirkman, the Chief Minister’s Department and Minister Maley. An automatic reply from Mr Kirkman’s email said he was currently on leave.

An NT Government source told the NT News Mr Kirkman’s contract, which is not being renewed, does not expire until August, so he will continue to be paid until that point.

Mr Paech said more questions would be asked next week.

“Just three days into Estimates, and there are already serious questions about Lia Finocchiaro’s management of the public service,” Mr Paech said.

“Multiple agencies remain without a chief executive, and today we discovered the former CEO of Agriculture and Fisheries is still on the payroll - despite having resigned.

“This revelation begs the question – are there any more CEOs who have resigned under Lia Finocchairo’s leadership still on the public payroll?”

Mr Paech said the Opposition would be seeking further answers from Public Service Minister Jo Hersey when she fronts Estimates on Monday afternoon.

The NT News reported on April 17 that Mr Kirkman had resigned after 26 years in the NT public service, including 10-years as chief executive.

“I am writing to inform you that I am stepping out of my role as Chief Executive of our Department,” Mr Kirkman said. “Our new Department is now well established and I am happy to say that it has the structure, drive and culture to deliver for Ag and Fisheries across the Territory.

Shadow Attorney General Chansey Paech. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“This is the right time for me both personally and professionally to begin a new chapter and pursue some different and exciting opportunities.

“The NTPS is a great place to work and there are no end of opportunities for those willing to have a go.”

After listing his work experience with NTPS Mr Kirkman praised the organisation.

“These different experiences have provided me a great insight to the amazing work done by public servants and our industry and community colleagues across the Territory and I will continue to be a strong advocate of the work you do.”

His then boss, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley, confirmed Mr Kirkman had resigned.

“Andrew Kirkman has concluded his role as chief executive officer, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries effective today,” Minister Maley said.

“I would like to thank Andrew for his dedicated service to the Northern Territory Public Sector over the past 26 years and I wish him well in his future endeavours.”

The NT Government switchboard still lists Mr Kirkman as Department of Agriculure and Fisheries chief executive.