Ministerial Statement

Member for West Torrens, Parliamentary Privilege

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:17): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: The member for West Torrens and former Treasurer, Tom Koutsantonis, made a series of claims yesterday under parliamentary privilege about the activities and behaviour of the member for Gibson, Corey Wingard. These claims include physical intimidation of a staff member and the criminal offence of fraud.

I have been advised by Treasury that during 2017 a performance management process had been commenced by the then member for Mitchell and a staff member in his office. When differences between the member and staff member could not be resolved, the staff member resigned. I am advised that the staff member in the letter of resignation made a series of claims. I am advised that the acting manager of electoral services in a letter of reply accepting the resignation stated as the employer's delegate he refuted these claims 'as they have no basis'. The acting manager went on to say that if these claims were pursued by the staff member 'the Department of Treasury and Finance will defend them vigorously'.

The member for West Torrens, Mr Koutsantonis, was for this period, from 2017 until March 2018, the Treasurer with responsibility for electorate services. I am advised that no action was taken by the former Treasurer or officers reporting to him against the then member for Mitchell about any of these claims.