State government axes Qld Special Commissioner on Equality and Diversity Linda Colley
A top Queensland public servant credited with helping reduce the gender pay gap has been axed. The move was revealed in a lively Question Time during which Ros Bates taunted Labor over Jackie Trad and the Callide energy fiasco.
The state government has axed Queensland’s Special Commissioner on Equality and Diversity, with its responsibilities to be absorbed by existing public sector officers.
Linda Colley was informed last week the state government would end her three-year tenure on January 24.
Minister for Women Fiona Simpson told parliament the contract “wasn’t extended by the previous government prior to the election”.
However, Dr Colley said she was told the current LNP government rejected her attempt to continue in the role.
“The new Premier advised that he does not want me to continue in the role of Special Commissioner, Equity and Diversity,” she said.
“I am so proud of what we have achieved in three years.
“However, the government has decided not to renew my contract and allow me to complete the expected five years.”
Dr Colley was appointed Queensland’s first Special Commissioner in late-2021. She is credited with helping close the gender pay gap by 30 per cent.
A spokesman for the Public Sector Commission said Dr Colley’s three-year contract would end on January 24.
The axing was revealed in a lively Question Time, during which Finance Minister Ros Bates attacked Labor over ‘puppeteer’ Jackie Trad, the Callide energy fiasco and not being able to say the word “coal”.
READ BELOW TO SEE HOW QUESTION TIME UNFOLDED
Originally published as State government axes Qld Special Commissioner on Equality and Diversity Linda Colley
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