CCC facing uncertainty

CCC acting-commissioner Scott Ellis has called the failure to replace or reappoint John McKechnie a regrettable move that has created uncertainty for the commission.

Those comments, made as part of the commission’s annual report, follow Mr McKechnie’s appointment having been rejected by the relevant committee in April.

While early reports had attributed the stalled nomination to the objection of Jim Chown, committee chair Margaret Quirk later denied those claims, saying all deliberations had been made in good faith.

Attorney-general John Quiqley has since drafted legislation to allow the premier and leader of the opposition to jointly approve nomination of a new commissioner.

It is believed, however, that the opposition does not support the Bill.

Mr Ellis, who has served in the role in an acting capacity since April, noted Mr McKechnie's absence in the commission's annual report.

"The current lack of a full time commissioner is regrettable," he said.

"It creates uncertainty for the commission."

Mr Ellis went on to offer praise to Mr McKechnie, calling him a very effective and highly respected commissioner.

“I was very pleased to collaborate with him on the important work of the commission,” he said.

“I have also benefited greatly from the support and skills of the talented and committed team forged by the commissioner, the chief executive, Ray Warnes, and the commission’s directors during his term.”

Mr Ellis is concurrently serving as employer director at GESB and a barrister, arbitrator and mediator at Francis Burt Chambers.

The report notes that as the CCC's only acting commissioner, the commission would be unable to meet its legislated mandate should he not be available for any reason.

According to the report’s key performance indicators, the CCC received 5,743 complaints in the previous financial year, an increase of more than 500 on the year prior.

The average cost of assessment fell in that time, from $1,028 to $720.

Investigations in that time rose, from 50 to 59, with 84 per cent of investigations being completed.