I was not pushed: Treasury head
Departing Under-Treasurer Tim Marney insists he was not forced out of arguably the State's most influential public service job.
Mr Marney, who will become Mental Health Commissioner on February 17, says he put his hand up to take the new role.
Mr Marney has managed bouts of chronic anxiety and depression for the past 15 years.
He told The Weekend West he had suffered panic attacks during the middle of high-powered Treasury meetings and once passed out in his office when working on legislation for former premier Richard Court.
That episode led to his eventual diagnosis.
He says his condition can be managed "like diabetes or any other disease" and wants to help West Australians better access mental health services.
Mr Marney's unflinching assessments of WA's finances have at times put him in conflict with other public sector bosses and his political masters but he insists he was not pushed from Treasury.
"I think it's an important part of the role to be able to voice concerns," he said. "Sometimes that's uncomfortable.
"I would have to say that sometimes I probably overstep the mark. Other times I bit my tongue right through.
"That's not to say there's probably a few people around the sector who aren't upset I'm going.
"But no. It (the commisioner job) was something I actively sought, rather than being pushed."
