Labor leader Rebecca White asked Mr Hodgman in Parliament if he believed the personal relationship between Ms Courtney and her head of agency Dr John Whittington was appropriate and if he condoned it.

“You were very quick to cast judgement on Barnaby Joyce when it was revealed he was in a relationship with his former staffer, Vikki Campion,” Ms White said.

“You said: 'I think it is an inappropriate thing to have happened. It could lead to a whole lot of inappropriate work benefits'.”

Mr Hodgman said it was unwise to compare “circumstances that may have arisen in parliaments here or in other places.”

“I would not want to presume nor to judge any persons who are in circumstances that are of a personal nature and must, quite properly and appropriately, take into account others who are not members of this place or in the service of our state but who will be affected by discussions such as this,” he said.

Mr Hodgman said his responsibility was to ensure there was no “inappropriateness in relationships within government or the broad public sector.”

He released copies of letters he had sent the head of his department Jenny Gale and Damian Bugg QC about the investigation into any conflict of interest or breaches because of the relationship.

“I am releasing letters to Ms Gale and Mr Bugg which demonstrate that contrary to Labor’s false assertions, there is no limitation or restriction on their inquiries,” Mr Hodgman said.

“We will respect, and not pre-judge the outcomes of the independent review into these matters.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said Mr Hodgman now had responsibility for seven portfolios which was “untenable.”

Independent Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest agreed and said industry needed certainty and a minister with time to focus on the important primary industry portfolio.

“A decision regarding portfolio responsibilities needs to be made promptly as it is untenable for the Premier to take on so much when he should be focused on leading the State not taking on a large department such as DPIPWE,” she said.

“There would be matters already sitting on his desk under his previous responsibilities that need his attention that are likely to see unacceptable delays.

“After I moved for an inquiry into marine farming, I was assured that the then minister and department were acting on my concerns about proactive reporting and regulation for the salmon industry.

“There are still questions about Macquarie Harbour, it is not in good shape and there is uncertainty for both industry and those opposed, and we need a minister dedicated to this important task.

“I’m also concerned about the likely significant amount of time and cost involved in these very necessary reviews as it is unlikely the matters will be resolved quickly.

“Additional costs could also be incurred if decisions need to be reversed or are deemed invalid potentially causing many flow on negative impacts”.

Ms Forrest said the uncertainty for departmental staff and projects underway needed to be minimized.