- WA Government announces independent review into the employment arrangements of WA electorate officers
- Former Commonwealth Government Minister Ben Morton appointed to lead six-month review
- Review process will involve targeted consultation with key stakeholders, with a final report to be provided to the WA Government next year
The State Government has appointed former Australian Government Minister, the Honourable Ben Morton, to lead an independent review of the employment arrangements for Members of Parliament's electorate officers.
The review will consider the employment frameworks for electoral officers in Western Australia and consider whether they remain fit for purpose and ensure they can effectively support Members of Parliament to respond to the needs of their constituents.
The review is in response to a Corruption and Crime Commission report released in November 2024 that noted that current employment arrangements for electorate officers are complex and present challenges.
Electorate office staff are employed by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or the President of the Legislative Council as the Presiding Officers of the Parliament. The Presiding Officers have delegated their functions and responsibilities as employers to the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Members of Parliament are responsible for the day-to-day management of electorate officers.
The independent review will examine if this is the most appropriate employment arrangement and identify possible options to reform underlying legislative and policy frameworks to provide better clarity around the authorising and oversight of these officers.
The review process will involve undertaking targeted consultation with key stakeholders and a final report will be provided to the WA Government for its consideration in mid-2025.
Ben Morton served as Minister for the Public Service and Special Minister of State in the former Federal Coalition Government, and as a former State Director of the Liberal Party State Branch (WA). He has considerable experience when it comes to the work of MPs and electorate officers.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Our hardworking electorate officers do a great job assisting Members of Parliament to serve their communities.
"This independent review will ensure that the work of our State MPs and our electorate officers are fit for purpose into the future.
"The appointment of Ben Morton to lead this independent review will see him work with all stakeholders, including the Department and Parliament, to provide clear recommendations on a way forward.
"Ben brings a wealth of relevant knowledge and experience gained from his roles as the Minister for the Public Service and Special Minister of State in the Morrison Government."
As stated by Hon Ben Morton:
"I welcome the review being commissioned by the State Government and look forward to working with all relevant stakeholders over coming months.
"Members of Parliament and their electorate officers perform important roles in our community, so it's important they can continue to perform those roles into the future with confidence."
