Planning Secretary Rob Stokes has said his office is a « harmonious place to work » and passionately defended his staff while refusing to refer to reports left by 13 people over the past year.
It came when Adam Searle of Labor was reprimanded by parliamentary colleagues for trying to find out which employee was the subject of allegations of bullying reported by The Australian.
Mr Stokes shared budget estimates that reports of a « toxic » environment in his office were « allegations of innuendo and smear ».
When asked if current or former employees had direct concerns about an unnamed executive with him, Mr. Stokes said:
« If they did, I would certainly not be at liberty to share them with you or this committee.
« I have a legal obligation to keep everyone in my office safe and secure, » he said.
Mr Searle was trying to find out which employees still working in Mr Stokes’ office could be the subject of allegations of bullying.
Amid heated questioning, former Green-gaining independence Justin Field said that politicians should have « a certain level of awareness » of the implications of questions in budget proposals, « given all that has been going on in the public arena recently Nature of the parliamentary process and the experience of staff « .
The chairman of the committee and the MLC of the Greens, Cate Faehrmann, agreed and said: « We do not want this committee to deviate into a possibly negative mention of certain employees. »
Mr. Stokes noted questions about whether 13 people left his office in the past year.
The minister said his staff were « exceptional » and stated, « I would be bulldozered for any of them because they are an incredible bunch. »
The Australian reported that several employees had found employment in Mr Stokes’ department after leaving his office.
Jim Betts, Secretary of State for Planning, Industry and the Environment, said « All of these appointments have met the requirements ».
« I am the sworn secretary and I am telling you that there is nothing to be seen here of any improper process related to these appointments, » said Betts.
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