A top public servant was terminated by the Commonwealth due to a “loss of trust and confidence” following rumours he had a close personal relationship with his deputy.
Former secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services, Rob Stefanic, was given a $153,660 taxpayer-funded payout after being removed from his role in December, Senate President Sue Lines told a Senate estimates hearing on Monday.
He had been on paid leave for the 10 weeks prior, following an inquiry into the department’s role in a $315,000 exit package paid to Stefanic’s deputy secretary Cate Saunders.
She left the public service in October 2023.
Stefanic said he had declared a conflict of interest, citing “malicious” rumours surrounding the pair’s relationship.
Lines said she and Speaker of the House Milton Dick, a fellow presiding officer of the DPS, “concluded the appointment” of Stefanic on December 17 “due to a loss of trust and confidence”.
“This decision was made after a report was considered by the parliamentary services commissioner and after procedural fairness had been afforded,” Lines said.
“It was a decision that was not taken lightly.”
Acting secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe said Stefanic was eligible for compensation for early loss of office, as well as accrued leave entitlements.
“The total net payment received was $153,660.04,” she said.
Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer continues to search for a replacement secretary, telling the hearing four candidates had been short-listed.
-AAP
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