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The Prime Minister and Minister of the Office of the Public Service Commission, Hon Henry Puna today announced the appointment of Mr Russell Thomas as the new Public Service Commissioner.
A former chief executive of the Office of the Public Service Commission, Mr Thomas’s appointment was unanimously approved by Cabinet this week following a decision by the Prime Minister to exercise his right not to accept a recommendation of the selection panel as set out in Schedule 1 of the Public Service Act 2009.
Prime Minister Puna said Mr Thomas brings the necessary enthusiasm and years of experience to the position.
“Mr Thomas’s skills and background working at a central agency level, dealing with regional and international issues makes him suitably qualified to immediately assume leadership of the Public Service.”
“His appointment comes at a critical juncture given the recent Functional Review, the re-advertisement of Heads of Ministries positions next month and government efforts to continue streamlining and improving policies, systems and the overall performance of the Public Service.”
Prime Minister Puna said the State Sector must lead by example and make real the Government’s pledge to build a knowledge-based economy driven by imagination, innovations and advancing technology.
“We therefore look forward to Mr Thomas harnessing the creativity and innovations of the workforce to drive the Cook Islands Public Service and discharging the responsibilities of his new post effectively, efficiently and independently.”
Mr Thomas will assume his new position later this month.
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