Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff claims he was unaware of misconduct allegations against the head of TasTAFE until he was contacted by the state’s Integrity Commission last year.
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The Integrity Commission report was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday which detailed its investigation into TasTAFE chief executive Stephen Conway and the appointment of his deputy Lori Hocking.
The report detailed how Mr Conway increased Ms Hocking’s salary by $55,000 over 12 months without the approval of the head of the state service, taking her to a base salary of $176,167.
She was also provided incentive payments of $30,000.
The report stated that Mr Conway made commitments to pay for Ms Hocking to take regular flights between Hobart and Adelaide and payment for her rental accommodation in Hobart
Mr Conway has resigned his position amid the allegations.
A complaint about perceived misconduct to the Tasmanian Greens led to the party referring the matter to the Integrity Commission.
Mr Rockliff in Parliament on Wednesday said he was first made aware of the allegations when he was contacted by acting Integrity Commission chief executive Michael Easton on August 30 last year.
He added that he received the executive summary of the investigation’s report on March 21.
Mr Rockliff said the head of the state service would manage further action in relation to Ms Hocking and that the government would address recommendations contained within the report.
“As Minister for Education and Training, together with the chair of the TasTAFE board, I will oversee an independent audit of TasTAFE recruitment and procurement processes,” he said.
“The Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Premier and Cabinet will develop a new induction process for board members of public authorities, new chief executive officers and members of the senior executive service.”