The Australian Public Service Commission has issued a further explanation of commissioner John Lloyd’s resignation on August 8, shortly after advising there would be no further comment.
The commission denies the surprising decision has anything to do with “recent events” in reference to recent controversy over Lloyd’s links to the Institute of Public Affairs that heated up during the Senate’s budget estimates hearings:
“Mr Lloyd had, for some time, been contemplating resigning before the end of his term as APS Commissioner. An end date of around August 2018 had been under consideration.
“The time chosen has not been influenced by recent events. The timing suited Mr Lloyd and his family.
“If an appointee serves a full term it is normal for the Government to consider arrangements for a new appointment two-three months before that date. Mr Lloyd therefore considered it appropriate to give the Government two-months’ notice.”
The Community and Public Sector Union, however, is celebrating the announcement.
The union has issued its own statement welcoming Lloyd’s departure and attacking his record in the role.
“The Turnbull Government must appoint someone to this position who will take the job seriously, and who will genuinely serve our community by supporting the APS to deliver its important work,” said national secretary Nadine Flood, in one of the milder parts of the statement.
Any feedback or news tips? Here’s where to contact the relevant team.