I am pleased that the Integrity Commission has cleared me of all allegations relating to the management of conflict of interest matters.
The Integrity Commissioner has confirmed that during my term as Minister:
While I am pleased with these findings, I do disagree with some suggestions within the report, and I have some difficulty accepting several subjective findings on whether or not I had properly advised the Premier on some matters while a Minister.
I believe that I complied with the Protocol that was put in place to manage conflict of interest issues. In saying that however, with the benefit of hindsight, I do recognise on reflection that there are matters I could have handled better. I have accepted this and as appropriate, apologised to the Premier in relation to this.
Following Estimates in 2016, I reviewed emails in my private email account and realised that they contained deeply personal information, including medical details, about my family and myself. There were also personal emails relating to MSS and my divorce settlement discussions.
I felt strongly protective of my children and of my personal privacy. Deeply distressed at the thought of this very private and personal information being tabled in Parliament and therefore made public, I decided to forward some to a non-MSS email account and then delete them.
It was always my view, that once a process was put in place that my former spouse would agree to, relating to her privacy rights and her concern for our children’s privacy, all materials and emails would be provided for any relevant review process.
All emails, irrespective of their status were retrieved and provided to the Integrity Commission 12 months ago. Due to the Integrity Commission Act, it was unlawful for me to disclose this at any time and as such I have been unable to comment on the progress or the existence of the investigation that has been taking place for over 2 years.
I am pleased that after reviewing every email sent and received by me whilst a Minister, the Integrity Commission’s investigation has confirmed that there was not, and never was, a real or perceived material conflict of interest.
The Premier was not aware of my actions in relation to these emails, and whilst it has been found that there was no conflict of interest at any time, I have stated that I accept I could have handled matters differently and regret not informing him of those actions that I took to protect my personal privacy. The Premier has expressed disappointment at my actions taken at the time, however he has accepted my apology.
The Integrity Commission investigation also found that the inability to consent to the originally proposed Crown Solicitor email audit terms included legal advice received and was not improper in any way.
I have for some time been struggling with my health and well-being due to personal and private circumstances, which culminated during and after Estimates, and ultimately resulted in me seeking medical advice and taking 4 weeks leave at that time.
In light of the extended stress of the Integrity Commission Investigation process, which required the revisiting and scrutiny of a significantly distressing personal time in my life, together with a significant number of changes to my personal circumstances over the last two years, I have received further medical advice that in the interests of my health and well-being I should take an further period of leave in order to regain my health and well-being. I will however be returning from this recommended leave in due course.
I want to thank my family, friends and colleagues, including members from all sides, who have expressed thoughts of concern and care over the past 3 years.
Under the circumstances, I have indicated to the Premier that should a Cabinet position become available I will not seek to be considered until I can resolve a number of personal matters in my life. I do however look forward to being able to continue to work for the people of Braddon and the privilege I have of being their representative.