HEAD of Service Kathy Leigh was unable to tell today’s (August 29) estimates hearing how former Arts Minister Gordon Ramsay beat out 23 other candidates to be selected as CEO of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, according to the Canberra Liberals.
Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee says the Head of Service failed to provide an answer when asked about the specific skills Mr Ramsay possessed that ensured he secured the plum role ahead of other candidates.
Ms Leigh took the question about Mr Ramsay’s qualifications as well as a number of others on notice, leading the opposition leader to say the appointment “does not pass the pub test.”
“It is hard to accept that the CEO whose only previous experience was a Church Minister, Labor Minister for one term and CEO of Alliance for Gambling Reform for six months was the preferred candidate following a national selection process,” said Lee.
“The Canberra community deserves full transparency when it comes to this high profile appointment.”
It follows Ms Lee accusing Arts Minister Tara Cheyne of distancing herself from the appointment after she too was questioned about the selection process last week.
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