I have today spoken to Adam Brooks about answers he gave in Estimates yesterday evening, and the circumstances surrounding his use of his MSS email account. Mr Brooks has also written to me in relation to these matters, and I am releasing that correspondence.
Mr Brooks has explained that he misunderstood the question, thinking it related to business dealings only, and that he subsequently corrected the parliamentary record.
He has assured me that the email account is used only for personal, non-business related correspondence.
Nonetheless, Mr Brooks accepts that a perception of a conflict of interest has now arisen, and has agreed that an independent audit be undertaken of his MSS email account to confirm that it has only been used for non-business purposes.
He also agreed that I temporarily reassign his ministerial responsibilities while the audit is conducted.
I have asked the Crown Solicitor Mr Alan Morgan to conduct a thorough audit of Mr Brooks’ MSS email account.
In the meantime, in accordance with Section 25 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1931, other Ministers will assume responsibility for Mr Brooks’ portfolios as follows:
During this period, Mr Brooks will not receive his Ministerial loading. His staff will report to the Minister who is handling the relevant portfolio.
I have asked the Crown Solicitor to provide his report as soon as possible, however my advice is it could take several weeks.