Question Time

Public Sector Integrity

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:32): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Treasurer regarding public sector integrity.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: On ABC radio this morning, respected journalist David Bevan said, and I will quote:

…we have had it confirmed that a Government staffer spoke to at least one journalist, maybe two, suggesting that Rachael Gray had been to the Chair of the investigating committee’s wedding, that’s Andrea Michael’s wedding and there had been a suggestion that she had dated Andrea Michael’s husband. Now we understand that both of those claims are 100% false.

Mr Bevan went on:

…what we already know is that a Government staffer has told a lie to journalists, maybe two…in order to erode confidence in Rachael Gray.

My questions to the Treasurer are:

1. Did you or anyone in your office provide such information to journalists about counsel assisting the select committee into the conduct of the Deputy Premier?

2. As the minister for the public sector, what part of the Public Sector Code of Ethics is breached when a ministerial staffer provides such false allegations about a QC to journalists?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:33): The answer to the first question is no.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Second question from the Leader of the Opposition.