A further blow to the embattled state Labor government with Social Inclusion Commissioner David Cappo quitting his post.
Monsignor David Cappo, who has led the Social Inclusion Commission since 2006, has announce his resignation this morning.
The Catholic priest is set to chair a national Mental Health Commission, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.
It's the latest incident in an eventful week for the State Government, Police Minister Kevin Foley announcing on Monday he'll be standing down from cabinet on October 20.
Opposition leader Isobel Redmond says it's not a good sign for incoming Premier Jay Weatherill and the Labor party.
"For the government that's just lurching from one embarrassing disaster to another and no one showing any great confidence in the ability of Jay Weatherill to lead his new government and now this senior beaurocrat leaving."
Monsignor Cappo is a member of the executive committee of state cabinet.
See the press release announcing his resignation below.
Monsignor David Cappo has announced that he will be stepping down from his
positions as South Australia’s Commissioner for Social Inclusion and Chair of the
Social Inclusion Board, effective late December 2011.
The announcement follows today’s news that he has been appointed by the
Commonwealth Government to Chair Australia’s first National Mental Health
Commission.
Monsignor Cappo said that he has been honoured to serve as South Australia’s
first Commissioner for Social Inclusion.
“I would like to thank the Premier, Mike Rann, for giving me the opportunity to
serve his Government and the people of South Australia for the last 9 years,”
Monsignor Cappo said.
“Importantly, before I step down, the Social Inclusion Board will deliver a
blueprint for major disability reform in South Australia.”
Monsignor Cappo said that he has informed the Premier, Mike Rann and the
incoming Premier, the Hon Jay Weatherill MP about his decision.
“Minister Weatherill and I have a strong relationship and I am sure that we will
continue to work together in the future on social policy issues.”
In 2002, the Premier, the Hon Mike Rann MP, established South Australia’s
Social Inclusion Initiative and appointed Monsignor Cappo as Chair of the Social
Inclusion Board. In 2006, Monsignor Cappo was appointed Commissioner for
Social Inclusion to monitor State Government social policy responses.