The head of the state service, Jenny Gale, who is inquiring into former minister Sarah Courtney is currently on leave.
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Ms Gale began a week’s leave on Monday.
In a shock announcement, Premier Will Hodgman told Parliament on Tuesday October 16 that Ms Courtney had stepped down from her ministerial responsibilities because of a “personal relationship” with the head of her agency Dr John Whittington.
Ms Courtney, the member for Bass, was made Minister for Primary Industries and Water and Minister for Racing after the March election.
Mr Hodgman asked Ms Gale to review all relevant decisions made by Ms Courtney and for her to consider whether a State Service Code of Conduct investigation was required in relation to Dr Whittington.
However, despite Ms Gale’s leave the review is said to be continuing and is expected to be finalised well before Parliament resumes on November 20.
A government spokesperson said: “The Government respects, and will not pre-judge the outcomes of the independent review into these matters.
“It is hoped these matters will be concluded as quickly as possible.”
Community and Public Sector Union secretary Tom Lynch said it was confusing that Mr Hodgman had asked Ms Gale for a review when she was going on leave.
“The Premier asked for an investigation as a matter of urgency and immediately the person doing it goes on leave,” Mr Lynch said.
“We have a department without a secretary and a minister. Staff were at a pretty low ebb before this happened.
“They felt unsupported by the leadership and now there is none there at all.”
It is not known when the relationship between the pair began.
Mr Hodgman has taken on Ms Courtney’s ministerial responsibilities.
Former senior federal and state public servant Damian Bugg QC is also looking at whether there has been a breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct.
Former senior minister Rene Hidding has ruled out returning to Cabinet unless asked do so by Mr Hodgman.
“I’m anticipating no change to the Ministry,” Mr Hidding said.