Julian Simmonds set for $312k Qld govt role without merit-based process

A former LNP politician could be handed a plum CEO role in the government without a merit-based process, just hours after ministers claimed “the jobs for mates era is over”.

Julian Simmonds represented the LNP at federal and local level for 12 years.

A former LNP politician could be handed a $312,000 government job without a merit-based recruitment process thanks to his “above-average” skills and personality.

Julian Simmonds, who for 12 years represented the LNP at a local and federal level, is on track to be named Economic Development Queensland’s permanent CEO after acting in the role for about three months.

Mr Simmonds was named acting CEO of Economic Development Queensland on April 17 following the early exit of Debbie McNamara.

A statement from State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said at the time Economic Development Queensland would commence a national executive recruitment process for a permanent CEO.

However his director-general John Sosso on Wednesday acknowledged that had not happened, and might not.

Mr Simmonds was an LNP councillor in Brisbane from 2010-19 before serving one term as federal member for Ryan from 2019-22, after which he was defeated by the Greens.

Mr Sosso said EDQ board chair Brendan O’Farrell earlier this year suggested the skill set and personality of Mr Simmonds would suit the organisation.

Mr Sosso said, in three months, the long-term LNP member had impressed the board with his performance in the acting role and could be handed it permanently.

State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie at estimates on Wednesday. Picture: Annette Dew

“We are of the view Mr Simmonds has provided clear strategic direction to Economic Development Queensland,” he said.

“His strong performance and stability has brought to the organisation enormous benefits and the board is of the opinion that if Mr Simmonds continues in the way he is performing, which has been above average and exemplary, he may be appointed without a merit … without any further advertisement.”

The stunning interaction came just hours after Finance Minister Ros Bates claimed “the jobs for mates era is over”.

Mr Sosso said a decision about a permanent CEO at Economic Development Queensland would be made in the coming months, but declined the decision had already been made.

Ms McNamara quit without explanation just 10 months after taking the role.

Mr Simmonds revealed he expressed interest in the near $312,000 CEO job and “most likely” spoke about it with Mr Bleijie’s chief of staff Nathan Ruhle.

He could not recall if the discussion took place before Ms McNamara’s exit, but said it occurred in one of the conversations he had during functions and events they both attended.

Opposition state development, infrastructure and planning spokesman Cameron Dick questioned why coal-industry-funded Australians for Prosperity, of which Mr Simmonds was an executive, had published ads attacking the federal Labor government while he was acting CEO of Economic Development Queensland.

Opposition spokesman for state development, infrastructure and planning Cameron Dick at estimates on Wednesday. Picture: Annette Dew

Mr Simmonds said he had “duly resigned” from the organisation before the ads were published.

Separately, an email released to the opposition under Right to Information revealed assistant minister Stoker lobbied for Allens’ law firm partner Andrew Knox to be involved with the government.

On February 11 Ms Stoker emailed a resume, believed to belong to Mr Knox, to Ms Bates.

“I think he would bring an eye to better financial performance, governance and transparency to a board level role,” Ms Stoker said.

“He came to mind for TAFE Queensland, but his skills are transferable.”

Opposition jobs and training spokesman Michael Healy asked Ms Bates: “Why did you appoint Mr Andrew Knox to the TAFE board, is it because Amanda Stoker asked you or is it because of the $5000 donation to the LNP that he gave?”

Ms Bates, who repeatedly read from pre-prepared statements during her estimates appearance, said people were appointed based on qualifications, experience and passion.

“If those opposite are upset that the jobs-for-mates era is over, they’ll need to get used to it,” she said.

She also did not say whether she had been lobbied to appoint Vivian Grayson – an LNP member – as the chair of TAFE Queensland.

“Every member brings the expertise needed to shape the future of Queensland’s workforce,” Ms Bates said.

Opposition industrial relations spokeswoman Grace Grace

Mr Bleijie also faced questions about board appointments.

The Industrial Relations Minister boasted about his appointment of former Local Government Association of Queensland boss Greg Hallam as deputy chair of the WorkCover board – replacing Queensland Council of Unions secretary Jacqueline King.

Opposition industrial relations spokeswoman Grace Grace then tabled screenshots of two Facebook posts by Mr Hallam, depicting sexual references, demanding Mr Bleijie explain how he would act on them.

“One post shows a picture of a woman in a tight tee shirt that reads ‘slutty nurse costume’ and says, I thought my new girlfriend might be the one, but after looking through her knicker drawer and finding a nurse’s outfit, a French maid’s outfit and a police woman’s uniform, I finally decided, if she can’t hold down a job, she’s not for me,” Ms Grace said.

“Another shows a husband naming his wife, ‘nag, nag, nag’.

“Minister, are these posts in line with the behaviour expected from Public Service Board members?”

Mr Bleijie denounced the content, saying it was “of course not appropriate”.

“I don’t troll people on Facebook 24/7, so I’m not sure what people are posting. Just now, I’m not sure what you’re (Ms Grace) posting,” he said.

Ms Grace said: “What assurances can you provide women in the workplace in general, that cases of psychological claims and sexual harassment will be taken seriously when we’ve seen posts like this from your appointed deputy chair of the WorkCover board?”

Mr Bleijie said any claim would be taken seriously and assessed properly.

Originally published as Julian Simmonds set for $312k Qld govt role without merit-based process