John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Five years is appropriate. This is an important body and people need time to settle into such positions. Experience for members of boards is vital and five years is more suitable for gaining such experience than three years. It would not be helpful if people had to rotate.

There is a perception that people are queuing up to get onto State boards. In present circumstances with the inquiries that have taken place recently, some of the best qualified people, no matter what their political affiliation, are reluctant to put themselves forward. If they were told that they would only be on the board for three years, it would add to the problems. If they were to be subjected to an inquiry, it would be almost impossible.