Rankin's image her downfall, says Maharey

Mr Maharey was giving evidence at the hearing of Christine Rankin's $818,000 action alleging political interference in the State Services Commissioner's decision not to reappoint her.

He told the court that while he made no personal comments about Ms Rankin's dress code, he did say the public view of the department was coloured by her personal style.

"I said she needed to think about how her personal choices impacted on the perception of a department she obviously cared about," he said.

He said both the department and Mrs Rankin were perceived to maintain a culture of waste and extravagance.

If the State Services Commissioner had recommended her reappointment, he would have rejected it.