In an embarrassing admission on WIN News last night, Ms Burch, Minister for Children and Young People admitted at the launch of the ACT Young People’s Plan 2009-14 that she had not actually read the report she was launching and was unable to answer questions about it, said Alistair Coe, Shadow Minister for Youth.
In response to a question by a journalist about the report, Ms Burch responded with:
‘Sorry I haven’t read the…sorry… cut that!’ (WIN News, 7/12/09).
“It is reasonable to expect a Minister launching a report in her name would have read the report and would be able to answer basic questions about it,” said Mr Coe.
“Whilst the report might have only recently been printed, she must have seen drafts of the report in order to approve its publication. Furthermore, her blind endorsement of the contents of the report displays a complete lack of leadership.
“Whilst the Minister may say she is new to the job, it is no excuse for why she has not read a report she launched.
“It is worrying for the people of Canberra that we have a Minister presiding over approximately a $200m budget and 1000 staff yet has such an unprofessional approach to her responsibilities.
“Ms Burch has a long way to go to prove to the people of Canberra, the Assembly and her Labor Party colleagues that she is up to the job of being a Minister,” said Mr Coe.
