In a shock announcement, Premier Will Hodgman has told Parliament that the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Sarah Courtney, will step down from her ministerial responsibilities after developing a “personal relationship” with the head of her department.
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Mr Hodgman said there would be an independent review into a conflict of interest situation that has recently arisen.
“Ms Courtney made the request to step down from her responsibilities, after informing me on Sunday that she and her Head of Agency Dr Whittington have developed a personal relationship,” Mr Hodgman said when parliament resumed on Tuesday morning.
“Similarly, Dr Whittington has requested personal leave until these matters are resolved.
“Yesterday, I requested the Head of the State Service, Ms Jenny Gale, review all relevant decisions made by Ms Courtney, and have also asked Ms Gale to consider whether a State Service Code of Conduct investigation is required in relation to Dr Whittington.
“I have also sought independent advice from respected Commonwealth and State senior public servant Mr Damien Bugg QC, to determine whether there has been a potential breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct.
“Following the completion of this process I will have more to say about this matter. In the interim I will be taking on Ms Courtney’s portfolio responsibilities.
“This is a sensitive personal matter and I ask that the privacy of all those involved in this matter be respected.”