BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has confirmed that only 15 political appointees have been appointed since his government took office, dismissing rumours suggesting the number was much higher.
Speaking during a media conference following his return from official visits to Australia and New Zealand, Prime Minister Wale clarified the number when questioned by local journalists.
“Political appointments, contracts so far — only 15 so far,” Wale said.
The Prime Minister said the coalition government is focused on ensuring capable people are appointed to help deliver its ambitious reform agenda.
“We have a very ambitious programme, a very, very ambitious programme,” he said.
“What we want to do in two years is to reset the past 10 years of negligent leadership.”
Wale explained that government’s priority is not simply the number of appointments made, but the quality and capability of those selected to serve.
“For me, and my advice to Cabinet and Caucus is, we need to get the right people to do the work of serving the people of this country,” he said.
“Number is important, but number itself cannot dictate the number of people we need.”
The Prime Minister stressed that appointments must be based on competence and the ability to effectively carry out government responsibilities.
“The important thing is the quality of the appointments, that they are people capable of doing the people’s business, transacting the people’s business,” Wale added.
He said the government remains focused on delivering on its policy priorities rather than becoming preoccupied with criticism surrounding appointment numbers.
“So that’s the approach we’re taking. We’re not hooked on numbers,” he said.
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