FED: Barratt likely to be sacked in a week

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-1999
FED: Barratt likely to be sacked in a week

Defence Department chief PAUL BARRATT is likely to be served with written notice of his
sacking next week, despite his threat of more legal action if the goverment moves to oust him.

He scored another minor court victory yesterday with the Federal Court ordering the
government to pick up all the costs for his challenge to his attempted sacking.

But Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD's made clear Mr BARRATT's dismissal is now imminent.

After Thursday's ruling the PM has the right to sack public service chiefs, provided they
are given reasons for their dismissal and a right of reply.

But Mr BARRATT, who's believed to have been earning $300,000 a year, says further court
action is likely because he's lost about $1 million in future earnings.





Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY says any payout to Mr BARRATT will be a testimony to the
government's incompetence.

AAP RTV ss/rp/wz/rat/kbw

KEYWORD: BARRATT (CANBERRA)

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