Phillip Paulwell, Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives
Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives, Phillip Paulwell, has rejected the assertion that the resignation of the Deputy Clerk could not be considered by the House Committee.
Deputy Clerk of the Houses of Parliament Christopher Cowan resigned with immediate effect, citing several issues.
Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives Floyd Green had stated that the House Committee was not the appropriate forum to examine administrative arrangements, individual employment contracts or staff resignations.
Mr. Paulwell has described the House Leader's interpretation of the committee's mandate as extremely narrow and counterproductive.
In a letter dated October 8, Mr. Paulwell pointed to a number of serious concerns affecting the Parliament, including low morale among staff, high staff turnover which he said is undermining the efficiency of staffing arrangements, and the allegations of high-handedness within the management of the system.
Mr. Paulwell maintained that these issues directly affect the comfort and convenience of members of Parliament, and therefore fall squarely within the remit of the House Committee.
He pointed out that some of these concerns have already been raised before the Public Accounts Committee following an adverse report by the Auditor General's Department on the affairs of the Parliament.
He further noted that the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee would have jurisdiction to investigate the matter should the Leader of Government Business decline to broaden his view of the House Committee's scope.
Mr. Paulwell has urged Mr. Green to reconsider his decision before the matter is taken elsewhere.
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