This afternoon, I have accepted Adam Brooks’ resignation from the cabinet.
Mr Brooks advised me that after reflection over the weekend and in consultation with his family, he came to the conclusion that it would be in the best interests of the Government for him to do so.
Mr Brooks has advised that he will remain a member of Parliament.
We put in place strict protocols to manage Mr Brooks’ business situation, and there is no evidence to suggest they were not upheld. Nonetheless, the Crown Solicitor’s audit of Mr Brooks’ MSS email account will continue, in order to confirm it was not used in breach of the protocols.
While Mr Brooks did correct the Parliamentary record on Thursday night, there is no doubt that his answers contributed to the perception of a conflict of interest.
During his time in Cabinet Mr Brooks has been a positive contributor to the cabinet, and will continue to serve the Braddon electorate
This evening, the Acting Ministerial arrangements I put in place last Friday will be formalised, with Jeremy Rockliff to be sworn in as Minister for Racing, Rene Hidding as Minister for Mining, and Peter Gutwein Minister for Building and Construction.