Statement from Mary Anne Thompson in relation to SSC Report
I accept that my actions at the time were unwise and I should have continued ongoing dialogue with my manager. I
acknowledge if I ever find myself facing the same dilemma again I would approach the situation differently and would
ensure that I kept my manager fully appraised.
At the outset I had discussed openly my intention to sponsor my family with the Chief Executive and the Senior
Management Team.
The declaration form requires any person assisting the applicant to also sign the application as confirmation of
assistance with filling in the form and sponsorship. As I had assisted my family in filling in their applications it
would have been dishonest not to sign. At the time I never imagined that my signature would have been taken as anything
other than confirmation of my assistance. To ask someone else to sponsor my family would also have been dishonest. This
is a dilemma that anyone in a prominent position who has a migrant family faces.
I am relieved to see the State Services Commission review completed as this situation has had a profound effect on me
and my family. I am also pleased that my family, who have suffered throughout this inquiry, can take comfort that it has
now been clarified that the permanent residency decision was not unlawful as previously stated in media reports.
I have been a loyal member of the public service for nearly 20years and I stepped down from my role as Deputy Secretary
as I believed it was the right thing to do in the interests of both the Department of Labour and the wider public
service. My hope is that when all of this is sorted that I will be able to return.
I will not be making any further statements in relation to this report by press release or otherwise. I would request
that the media respect my and my family’s privacy.
ends