Ms Celene Craig:

Currently, our approved number is around 36 full-time equivalent staff. We currently have around 40 staff members in one guise or another. I will be honest and say our resourcing in recent years has been challenging, particularly as we transition to the media commission and, indeed, since BAI was established but we recognise it was established at a time when the economy was facing very severe difficulties. We have tried to adapt our systems and processes to adjust to the level of staff we have. Obviously, transition is a key priority. As my colleague, Ms Curtis, said, it is a is a key priority for the authority to ensure we transition effectively and that there is a smooth continuity of the BAI’s current functions. I would also add that we want to ensure the legacy, learning and knowledge that has been built up in the BAI does not get lost in that process of transition. We are working closely and collaboratively with the Department officials to ensure we can deal with some of those practical elements. There will be a significant scaling up. As I said, the analogy that has been frequently cited as a baseline would be the kinds of numbers that would apply to the Data Protection Commissioner's office. The figure of 180 has been discussed. Even scaling up to that level will take some resources and time. Once the media commission is established and fully functioning, it can also undertake its workforce planning exercises to ensure the full range of skills that are needed are available to the commission and to consider the numbers and designation of staff to different areas of responsibility.