Public service chief John Lloyd grilled over IPA links

Public Service chief John Lloyd grilled over his relationship with the Institute of Public Affairs.

Australian Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd during the Senate estimates hearing at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: AAP.

Australian Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd personally emailed the head of the Institute of Public Affairs, John Roskam, a day after he had been grilled in a Senate estimates hearing about his links to the think tank.

Mr Lloyd, who once led the IPA’s “work reform and productivity unit”, refused to tell Senate estimates yesterday whether or not he was under investigation over emails relating to him and the IPA.

Labor senators said the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had refused a Freedom of Information laws request, on the grounds that the emails could prejudice investigation into possible law breaches.

Under questioning, Mr Lloyd, a former Australian building and construction commissioner, initially refused to answer questions about whether he was aware of the investigation.

Labor senator Penny Wong told Mr Lloyd that while it was “embarrassing for you”, he could not refuse to comment under Senate committee rules.

After an adjournment, Mr Lloyd said he would take on notice whether or not there were grounds for him to make a public interest immunity claim not to answer questions about an investigation.

Last October, Mr Lloyd was questioned in estimates about his communications with the IPA.

Annoyed by the media coverage of the hearing, he emailed the IPA head a day after the hearing, saying: “John, more publicity for the IPA, including page one of the Canberra Times. Thanks to ALP questioning in estimates yesterday. Regards John Lloyd.’’

Seeking to justify the exchange, Mr Lloyd said he “felt annoyed by what transpired so, as I do with friends and colleagues, you explain how you’re feeling”.