Queensland’s state-run water provider, Sunwater, has quietly appointed James Benjamin as its new chief executive, despite his recent senior roles in the offices of two state ministers.
Mr Benjamin began the position on Monday after serving as deputy chief of staff to Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and as an adviser to Water Minister Ann Leahy. His appointment was announced on Sunwater’s website but was not distributed more widely as a media statement.
The move has prompted questions about the links between Sunwater’s incoming chief and the Queensland Government, although there is no suggestion that Mr Benjamin is unqualified for the role.
Sunwater’s board is chaired by former Newman-era deputy premier Jeff Seeney and includes former LNP state executive member John Cotter. Mr Benjamin was chief executive of Initiative Capital, a venture capital firm founded by Mr Cotter, for three years before joining Mr Bleijie’s office.
He also spent six years at Urban Utilities, the state-owned water operator in south-east Queensland, and held earlier roles in different versions of the state’s energy department.
Sunwater’s previous chief executive, David Hourigan, left the permanent role after acting in the position while an external recruitment process was conducted. The former senior state and federal public servant had taken over on an interim basis after the previous chief executive’s departure in May.
Asked whether Mr Cotter had played any role in the recruitment process, or whether measures were in place to manage any potential conflict of interest, Sunwater did not directly answer.
A spokesperson said Mr Benjamin’s appointment followed “a comprehensive, external, merit-based process in accordance with government-owned corporation policy requirements”.
“In making the appointment Sunwater has followed full, independent advice provided by the Queensland Integrity Commissioner,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Benjamin’s recent ministerial roles were described in Sunwater’s statement as work as “a key adviser to Queensland government ministers”.
