Golden handshake for Rosair

Former Department of Regional Development director general Paul Rosair has received a $412,000 golden handshake after stepping down from the role on June 30, nine months earlier than stipulated in his contract.

After five years at the helm of the department, Mr Rosair moved aside as a result of discussions at an April performance review meeting with Regional Development Minister Terry Redman.

Under section 59 of the public sector management act governing compensation for public sector executive officers, Mr Rosair was entitled to $218,000, but an additional $186,000 was paid out in place of long service leave and $8,000 for ordinary salary.

No details have been released on the cost of recruitment for a new director general, a process managed by the public service commissioner.

Business News reported in June that Paul Whyte had been appointed as the acting director general of the department.

In question time on April 8, Mr Redman praised Mr Rosair’s performance but said it was time for a change in the leadership of the department.

“We came to a mutual agreement that he would finish his tenure and that we would have a change of leadership within the department of regional development,” Mr Redman said.

“He was the inaugural director general of the department of regional development and lands in rolling out a significant program in royalties for regions.

“He has done a fantastic job.”