PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA 3 JULY 1990
It is a long established and important principle in our
system of Government that public servants, particularly
those at senior levels directly advising on policy or
directly administering Government policy, should refrain
from public criticism of Government policy.
In the light of the comments attributed to Dr David Charles,
former Secretary of the Department of Industry, Technology
and Commerce, in yesterday's Australian Financial Review, I
have now considered a report from the Secretary of my
Department. I have also been able to examine the transcript of the
interview given on the record by Dr Charles, and have had a
discussion directly with him.
It is clear from that consideration, and from my discussion
with Dr Charles, that major elements of the interview given
by Dr Charles were accurately reported by the Australian
Financial Review.
It is also clear that this interview represents a
fundamental breach of the principle referred to earlier.
Dr Charles himself accepts that this was a fundamental
breach and deeply regrets it.
In normal circumstances, this would warrant disciplinary
action well beyond the reprimand already given and I have
accordingly seriously considered revoking his appointment as
Consul-General in Berlin.
I am conscious of the extremely able and dedicated service
previously given to this Government and earlier Governments
by Dr Charles without blemish.
There are private circumstances, however, which I find
compelling and which have led me to decide to take no
further action beyond the reprimand given.