Politics
I didn’t know, says cleared Allison …
ABC ONLINE
The President of the Tasmania’s Upper House has cleared former Labor Minister Allison Ritchie of any wrongdoing after she employed a family member in her office.
Ms Ritchie’s mother, Christine McPherson, worked in her office for a short period last year.
Legislative Council President, Sue Smith, says each MLC is entitled to one electoral assistant, but family members are not allowed.
Mrs Smith says she decided to investigate after Ms Ritchie herself raised the part-time employment of her mother.
She concluded the Labor MLC for Pembroke was not aware of the Upper House policy.
Mrs Smith says as far as she is concerned the matter is closed.
“It is time that this rumour and innuendo was either proven or put away,” she said.
It is understood Ms Ritchie’s mother stepped down last November, a week before her daughter cited health reasons when resigning from cabinet.
Last week Ms Ritchie was promoted to parliamentary secretary for economic development.
Ms Ritchie says she acted properly at all times. Read more here