Mr. Speaker, on Friday I went to the AOC Committee to account for myself. It is called the Accountability and Oversight Committee. Some of the Members were there, others perhaps were not there. I do not recall that there was perfect attendance. However, we made it very clear at the time that everything Cabinet does is advised by our staff, whether we are consistent with the laws, policies and past practices of government.
With this particular issue, we have been telling the Members we have been consistent with the advice we have received from our officials, that there was nothing that we have done that is inconsistent with our legislation and with our laws. What we did not point out on Friday is, in fact, previous governments, previous cabinets, previous premiers have agreed to give leave to the present chief of staff to be involved in previous federal elections because there was a suggestion that only this Cabinet, only this Premier, was willing to do such a thing. In fact, leave was granted and the individual that you are speaking about was allowed to do this on at least two separate occasions over the last 12 years.
We said on Friday that the contract does not spell out the duties and responsibilities that are contrary to the Member of Thebacha's allegations or suggestions. There are no terms of reference in existence for executive assistants. We have been categorical in suggesting that this position, entitled chief of staff, has been from the beginning deemed by Cabinet with full knowledge and support of our civil service and our advisors, that being of an executive assistant to the Premier.
Both the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development were advised of that. There was no difficulty when the Member was present when we were talking about it in March. We also discussed that here, in the committee of the whole, when we were doing the budget in March. So for the Member to get up and make vague suggestions that somehow we are not being accountable without being specific, I do not believe this is the way to get at accountability. Be specific and be clear. We have done that, as a Cabinet, since we got into office.
The question was put to me last year, what are the new and revised positions you have in the Department of the Executive. I laid those out on two separate occasions, one to a standing committee and one to the committee of the whole, and these were approved. The budget figures were discussed and approved. That is being accountable, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.