The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Martin Parkinson has commended the Australian Public Service (APS) for its support to the Government during the recent political events that impacted on the Ministry.
In a statement rejecting a media claim that his Department had failed to support Ministers who submitted resignations, Dr Parkinson (pictured) labelled the report as “false”.
“I am disappointed that our reputation has been called into question by false reporting,” Dr Parkinson said.
“I have only observed Public Servants acting with complete professionalism throughout this week.”
He said the APS had an important role to play during a change in the Prime Ministership or Ministry with a key requirement being that that departing Ministers and their offices be supported and accorded the utmost courtesy and respect.
He said there was no factual basis for any of the media’s assertions that he issued instructions to Departments to cease communications with Ministers or their offices.
“Neither Prime Minister Turnbull nor his office issued any direction to me or my Department about any of the alleged matters,” Dr Parkinson said.
“Nor did I issue any ‘official instruction’ as claimed.
“No such instruction, official or unofficial, exists.”
He said he had contacted The Australian newspaper to seek a retraction.
Dr Parkinson said his Department was approached on the issue by The Daily Telegraph and provided the following response:
‘Dr Parkinson has not issued instructions to Departments to cease communications with Ministers or their offices. All Australian Government Departments continue to provide support to their Ministers.
‘Where Ministers have resigned, there is a period of transition before support services are ceased. All policy and operational engagement ceases when a Minister’s resignation has been accepted.”
