Peter Gutwein’s decision to stand by his embattled former Sports Minister Jane Howlett raises serious questions over the Premier’s own integrity.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the Premier’s dismissal this week of persistent allegations of a conflict of interest involving Ms Howlett underlines the need for an independent inquiry into the matter.
“After sidestepping direct questions in Question Time earlier this week over Ms Howlett’s departure from Cabinet, Peter Gutwein then doubled down on his defence of the former Sports Minister,” Ms White said.
“This follows Mr Gutwein’s attempt on Tuesday to cover up the attendance of Liberal Party fixer and PR consultant Brad Stansfeld at the meeting with Mr Gutwein and Ms Howlett on the day she resigned.
“Mr Gutwein is clearly rattled by these events, but his denials and deflections simply raise further questions about the circumstances surrounding Ms Howlett’s departure, along with ongoing concerns about the expenditure of nearly $100 million of public money during her time as Sports Minister.
“Mr Gutwein has put his own integrity on the line by refusing to investigate these allegations thoroughly and independently, even though less serious allegations about the personal relationships of Ministers have been independently investigated in the past.
“These allegations are not going away and for as long as the Premier deflects and denies, the Tasmanian public can have no confidence in his government.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
