But minister Henry Usher told us today that it is "fantasy" that swash's contract was not renewed because of any adverse dec vision he took. And with the compensation, he believes that only the attorney general can answer that:
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
"I have no ability, it is fantasy to believe that I can in any way influence the contract of the Ombudsman. There is a House Committee. I don't sit on the House Committee.That House Committee makes the recommendations. It then, there is then a resolution in the House and in the Senate before it goes to the Governor General."
Reporter
"Do you believe that as stated in the Ombudsman Act that Mr. Swaso should have been compensated the same as a judge at the High Court?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
"Well, I think that the Attorney General has already reviewed the sections of the Ombudsman's Act.It does speak about being compensated at that level. Of course, when that Ombudsman's Act was written, the compensation for judges was much lower, more in line to where the contract for the Ombudsman, previous Ombudsman and this current Ombudsman was, but that's an answer that only the Attorney General can give."
Reporter
"So you're saying that in order for him to be paid at the same rate, they would need to review that Act?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
"No, no, I'm saying that it's very clear in the Act. And I think that the decision is whether the contract that he signed with specific terms and conditions, does that contract override the Act or does the Act override the contract? And as I said, that's something that the Attorney General would have to decide on or give advice on, sorry."
