Senate debates

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Questions on Notice

Defence: Staffing (Question No. 1445)

Photo of Gary HumphriesGary Humphries (ACT, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 9 November 2011:

In regard to recruitment:

(1) (a) How many applications have been received for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation (CEO DMO); and (b) how many of these applications were from: (i) industry, (ii) the Government sector, (iii) the department; and (iv) overseas.

(2) Can a copy be provided of the recruitment pack.

(3) When is a decision and announcement expected.

(4) To whom will the CEO DMO report.

(5) Will anyone outside DMO report to the CEO DMO; if so, who and can a description be provided of those arrangements.

(6) What will be the relationship between the CEO DMO and the Head Capability Development Group and the soon to be appointed Associate Secretary Capability.

(7) Has the position of Deputy CEO DMO been advertised.

Photo of Kim CarrKim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence Materiel) Share this | | Hansard source

The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) (a) and (b) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) The Secretary of Defence engaged the services of EWK International to undertake an executive search for the CEO DMO role. A number of high quality applications were received as a result of formal advertising and a national and international search process. The Secretary of Defence and the Selection Advisory Committee are currently conducting a merit selection process to identify a suitable candidate.

(2) The Merit Selection exercise has not yet been finalised, however, usual Defence process would preclude access to recruitment documentation by third parties who are not directly involved in the process.

(3) The successful candidate will become known in due course.

(4) The CEO DMO has responsibilities to the Minister for Defence through the Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force.

(5) No.

(6) The detail of the relationship between these roles is currently under consideration.

(7) No, the role of Deputy CEO DMO currently has an acting incumbent performing the duties.