“The inference is very clear. I am being scapegoated for a common and customary practice, but I still do not know the reason why I was targeted?
“Cook is the only person who can answer this, and my co-workers and other MPs can testify to the fact of the leave procedures and what went on.”
A spokesman for Mr Cook declined to comment.
“The Deputy Premier has addressed these claims a number of times and will be making no further comment,” he said.
In a November press conference, Mr Cook ducked questions about Ms Spasojevic’s case.
“It’s a matter between that particular person and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and I’ll continue to be advised appropriately,” he said.
Mr Cook also dodged a question over whether he had ever torn up a staffer’s leave form.
“I’m not going to provide further commentary on that because, obviously, it’s going to be subject of that particular appeal board,” he said.
Last year, Premier Mark McGowan said it was “not lawful” for Mr Cook to front Ms Spasojevic’s appeal.
As WA’s workplace tribunal, the Industrial Relations Commission can subpoena witnesses.
But under the state’s industrial relations laws that created the IRC and the PSAB, the board is considered a “constituent authority” of the commission and does not have the same subpoena powers.
Represented by high-profile WA Senior Counsel Mark Ritter, the government argued the legislation expressly omitted those powers from the PSAB and could not summons witnesses on behalf of Ms Spasojevic.
The board agreed with the government’s argument but conceded that it would be helpful in appeals such as Ms Spasojevic’s to be able to subpoena witnesses and evidence.
“[T]here is no scope for the implication of such a power, even though it may be highly desirable and reasonably required for the determination of appeals on their merits to have an ability to compel witness attendance,” the board said in its decision.
Former staffer urges Deputy Premier to ‘come clean’ on leave forms after legal blow
Source: Philippines Alive
