Photo of Andrew Barr found on 'apolitical' public service website

The photograph of Mr Barr was on a decommissioned ACT whole of government shared services website.

Deputy Opposition Leader Giulia Jones discovered the image and asked the Chief Minister, in a question on notice, why the image was there.

She highlighted the fact the ACT public service is supposed to be apolitical and said the inclusion of the photograph of Mr Barr may lead people to question whether the public service is encouraged to be apolitical.

The website and image has since been taken down.

In response, Mr Barr was unable to explain why the photo was included on the website.

"There is no record of a decision being made to include a photograph of the Chief Minister on the website," the response said.

"It is unknown why a photograph of the Chief Minister is included on the website."

Mr Barr said the territory's public service was apolitical and, consequently, the website was removed.

"The code of conduct for the ACT public service outlines employee values and signature behaviours. The values that outline integrity in the ACTPS means being apolitical," the response said.

"The site has now been removed. ACT public servants are expected to follow the code of conduct which requires staff to be apolitical."

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The website was decommissioned in September 2017 and the photo of the Chief Minister was added after this in November 2017.

Internal investigations combed through the webmaster properties for the site, this found the staff member who added the photo but they are no longer in the public service. Other staff listed in the webmaster properties were also contacted.

"All staff listed that are still within ACT government were contacted, however, none of the staff were able to provide information on the addition of the image to the site," Mr Barr's response said.

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