Somewhat related to my last (above) I noticed in the Department Aviation & Airports Division AQON - that could also be a contender for QOTM - & answer that proves why Mandarins should not be trifled with lightly (or at least not before knowing the answer first.. ):
QON 111 -
QON 111 -
Quote:Senator Gallacher, Alex asked:To be fair to Sir Gallacher the original question should have been does the Minister have the power to overturn these types of decisions but after that the Mandarin definitely out played him...
… Senator GALLACHER: Will the federal minister have the capacity to overturn the decision to relocate the Adelaide terminal control unit to Melbourne?
Mr Mrdak: I think that is a matter that we cannot really comment on. The matter is essentially one for the board of the organisation. The minister has been briefed. The minister is certainly very closely engaged with—
Senator GALLACHER: I know that I cannot ask you for an opinion and you will not comment on that, but—
Mr Mrdak: No.
Senator GALLACHER: Can I ask you for a fact. Did a previous minister intervene and overturn the decision?
Mr Mrdak: I am not aware of such a decision.
Senator GALLACHER: You are not aware of it? So this was not overruled in the Howard government?
Mr Mrdak: I would have to go and check—I am sorry, Senator.
Senator GALLACHER: Perhaps you could go and check if there was a case built for relocation and it never happened. That is a fact—that is not—
Mr Mrdak: I am sorry—I just do not want to mislead you. I will obviously take that on notice and check…
Answer:
The Airservices Australia (Airservices) Board decided in its August 2006 Board Meeting not to proceed with integration of the Adelaide, Cairns and Sydney Terminal Control Units into facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne.