In a surprising turn of events, the head of Australia’s Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), Rob Stefanic, has seen his appointment come to an abrupt end. The long-serving secretary, who had held the position since December 2015, announced a sudden period of leave in October amidst intense scrutiny over his potential role in the controversial retirement of his deputy, Cate Saunders.
According to an internal email obtained by media sources, staff at the DPS were informed on Wednesday morning that Stefanic would not be returning to his role. The joint message from presiding officers Milton Dick and Sue Lines expressed gratitude for Stefanic’s nine years of service while acknowledging his efforts to improve the department’s offerings. Deputy Secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe will serve as acting head until a permanent replacement is found.
Scrutiny Over Deputy’s Golden Handshake
Stefanic’s position came under fire earlier this year when questions arose about his involvement in the generous retirement package awarded to his former deputy, Cate Saunders. Saunders, who served as Stefanic’s second-in-command from 2020 until her secondment to Services Australia in April 2023, accepted a staggering $315,126 incentive payment upon her departure from the public service on October 1st.
The revelation sparked concerns about the appropriateness of such a substantial payout and the processes behind its approval. During a Senate estimates hearing in May, Stefanic faced tough questions about his role in Saunders’ exit package, which he denied being involved in signing off on.
Declared Conflict of Interest
Further complicating matters, Stefanic admitted to formally declaring a conflict of interest with Saunders due to “gossip” and “rumor” surrounding their close personal relationship. He asserted that their working relationship remained “transactional” and that his dealings with her as her superior were “purely administrative in nature” during the period in question.
The lack of documentation around these declared conflicts and conversations with presiding officers raised eyebrows, with acting secretary Hinchcliffe acknowledging it fell short of best practices. The circumstances surrounding Saunders’ inability to return to the DPS following her secondment also fueled speculation about the nature of her departure and the generous incentive offered.
Independent Investigation Launched
In response to the growing concerns, Hinchcliffe commissioned an independent fact-finding mission in October to examine the department’s role in Saunders’ substantial payout. Led by a Sydney barrister, the investigation aimed to determine whether proper processes were followed in reaching the decision.
With the probe expected to conclude by year’s end, many are eager to learn what light it may shed on the inner workings of the DPS and the actions of its top officials. The sudden nature of Stefanic’s departure, coupled with the scrutiny surrounding his deputy’s retirement, has left a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the department.
Leadership Change Amidst Challenges
As the DPS navigates this leadership transition, questions linger about the impact on the department’s operations and public trust. The new secretary will face the task of steering the ship through choppy waters while working to restore confidence in the organization’s governance and decision-making processes.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the future direction of the DPS and whether the independent investigation will provide the answers and accountability the public seeks. As the nation watches closely, the hope is that transparency and integrity will guide the way forward for this vital arm of Australia’s parliamentary system.
