An environmental planning expert sacked from the board of the body responsible for rebuilding after natural disasters in Queensland says she is worried about the new board’s lack of expertise.
Dr Aysin Dedekorkut-Howes served just one year on the board.
Dr Aysin Dedekorkut-Howes voiced her concerns after an investigation by this masthead into board changes made during the state government’s first year in power, which found 20 former LNP politicians, candidates and members of the party executive had been handed roles.
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s (QRA) board was completely overhauled in September, with all of its members shown the door and Jane McNamara, a former north Queensland mayor who sits on an LNP policy committee, installed as chair.
Dedekorkut-Howes, from Griffith University, said she was completely surprised when disaster recovery minister Ann Leahy called in September to say her services were no longer needed just one year into her three-year term.
“The minister told me it had nothing to do with our performance, she thanked me for my services, and she said the government had decided to take a different approach,” she said.
Along with Dedekorkut-Howes, world renowned disaster risk reduction expert Dr Robert Glasser was cut from the board.
The board’s new chair, former Flinders Shire mayor Jane McNamara, pictured with Scott Morrison.Credit: Derek Barry/North West Star
Former Queensland Police Service Commissioner Katarina Carroll, who was the board’s chair, retired Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Greg Hallam, and the ex-Burdekin mayor Lynette McLaughlin were also let go.
The overhaul landed former Flinders Shire mayor Jane McNamara in the chair’s seat, and brought in retired brigadier Cris Anstey, Central Highlands councillor Gail Godwin-Smith and former Burdekin councillor Dr Kaylee Boccalatte as members.