Daily Bulletin

  • Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Former Australia Post CEO Christine Holgate has given evidence to a Senate inquiry into her dramatic exit from Australia Post.

Holgate left her position last year, when the prime minister denounced her in parliament for giving Cartier watches as rewards to Australia Post executives.

Victim of a hit job, Holgate inflicted damaging hits of her own – delivering blows against Scott Morrison and Australia Post chair Lucio Di Bartolomeo, and following up her evidence with a media blitz.

She accuses Morrison of bullying and says Di Bartolomeo should resign.

Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan, who sat in on her appearance, also believes Di Bartolomeo should go.

“The CEO of Australia Post, just like any government organisation, is not appointed by the minister or the government. The government appoints a board and then the board, under the chair’s direction, hires a CEO.

"The big main job of the chair is to find a good CEO and give them good direction. And that hasn’t occurred here.

"And I think, therefore, the buck must stop with Lucio.”

Despite this, Canavan doesn’t believe an apology is owed by the prime minister for his “parliamentary reaction”, as it was “understandable and everyone had a similiar reaction”. An apology is required from the government, however, for the “dismount, how we’ve handedled the situation post the initial scandal”.

Canavan belongs to the group within the Nationals known for being pro-coal, stirring the pot, and putting pressure on leader Michael McCormack. On this podcast, he discusses the Nationals’ election prospects, as well as the possible return to parliament of former Nationals leader and deputy prime minister John Anderson, who is seeking preselection for a Sneate run.

“[John Anderson is] making a major contribution to the intellectual richness of our country[…] he’s quite a thought leader. I think having the platform of the Senate would amplify that voice a bit. I think he’d also play a very stabilising and educating sort of role in our party room.”

Listen on Apple Podcasts Politics with Michelle Grattan: Matt Canavan on Holgate, Di Bartolomeo, and John Andersen

Stitcher Listen on TuneIn

Listen on RadioPublic Politics with Michelle Grattan: Matt Canavan on Holgate, Di Bartolomeo, and John Andersen

A List of Ways to Die, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.

Authors: Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Read more https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-matt-canavan-on-holgate-di-bartolomeo-and-john-andersen-159043

Business News

A Guide to Finance Automation Software

When running a business, it is critical to streamline certain processes to maintain efficiency. Too much to spent manually on tasks can wind up being detrimental to the overall health of the organis...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Top Tips for Cost-effective Storefront Signage

The retail industry is highly competitive and if you are in the process of setting up a retail store, you have come to the right place, as we offer a few tips to help you create a stunning storefront...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

How Freight Forwarding Simplifies Global Trade Operations

Global trade operations are becoming increasingly complex due to international regulations, customs procedures, and the sheer scale of global logistics. For businesses looking to expand internation...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin