THE former head of Tasmania's Integrity Commission is suing the state government.
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No explanation was provided by the commission last month when its inaugural chief executive, Barbara Etter, quit 15 months into a five-year contract.
Ms Etter terminated her contract after taking a month's leave.
A spokesman for the state government said yesterday it could not comment on a matter that was before the courts.
Calls to the commission late yesterday were not returned.
Ms Etter has reportedly filed a lengthy claim of damages in the Supreme Court alleging the state government had breached her employment contract by undermining her ability to do her job.
She is seeking damages, interest and costs.
In a statement issued on October 11, chief commissioner Murray Kellam said it would conduct its business as usual under his leadership and that of deputy chief executive Russell Pearce.
Nelson MLC Jim Wilkinson said the dispute would not affect the commission's work.
"It would seem the commission is working cohesively and doing the work that they're required to do. It is a distraction, but the people who are there are experienced people and professional."
Proposed laws are before State Parliament that will amend the Integrity Commission Act passed two years ago to clarify its powers to investigate.