“Barilaro findings reveal integrity issues within government,” according to Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership Head of Programs, Dr Leslie Cannold
Following the release of an interim report slamming the process that led to John Barilaro’s appointment to a prestigious trade commissioner role, The Mandarin reached out to Dr Leslie Cannold, Cranlana Head of Programs and a leading ethicist, for comment. Dr Cannold believes the findings show a clear integrity problem within the NSW government.
“It’s absolutely part of the obligations of public service to put [ethical] concerns on the table, but ultimately the decision-makers are not the public servants; the decision-makers are the politicians. This is not a game. This is our government, the integrity of our government and the integrity of our system of government.”
The Mandarin stated that the NSW upper house committee found alarming issues surrounding the transparency and impartiality of senior public sector appointments in NSW. The committee also described former deputy premier Barilaro’s appointment to senior trade and investment commissioner (STIC) Americas as flawed and unacceptable.
“This inquiry has raised serious questions about the level of influence that ministers exerted on senior public servants such as secretaries and heads of executive agencies over what should be independent recruitment decisions,” the report stated.
Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership’s programs include the 2 day Executive Ethics, 6 day Executive Colloquium and year-long Vincent Fairfax Fellowship. We also deliver online and customised corporate programs. Find the right program for you here. They are all held under the Chatham House Rule to encourage genuine and open debate, and allow participants to candidly discuss sometimes sensitive issues in private while allowing the topic and nature of the debate to be made public, and contribute to a broader conversation. The Alumni program offers ongoing leadership development support and a lifelong connection with Cranlana.
