Ms Jane Wolfe

Mr Oakeshott asked the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, in writing, on 29 October 2009:

In respect of the dismissal of Ms Jane Wolfe from the Department of Defence in March 2009,

1. Can the Minister outline the legislative responsibilities of the (then) Public Service Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) when reviewing the dismissal of Ms Jane Wolfe, and confirm that these legislative responsibilities and the requirements of fairness, natural justice and privacy were complied with in the review.
2. In respect of the DMO’s Wikipedia website, can the Minister confirm (a) that it is normal practice for a Government department to maintain such a site, (b) who monitors the publication of information on this website, (c) how the integrity of the Wikipedia page is maintained given the ability of registered users to freely edit content, (d) the guidelines for the publication of information in Wikipedia and whether the DMO adheres to these guidelines, (e) that it is appropriate to publish the sacking of any employee on such a website, and (f) why there is a reference under Leadership on the website to the dismissal of one leader of DMO, but no other information regarding any other leader of DMO.

Mr Combet - The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

1. The Public Service Act 1999 does not provide for reviews of termination of employment decisions.  Ms Wolfe made the decision to have the matter reviewed via a judicial review in the Federal Court.
2. (a to e) As DMO and Defence neither control, contribute to, monitor, maintain or check the integrity of Wikipedia pages, it is not appropriate to respond.

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