Bartlett must answer questions surrounding Leesong

Premier David Bartlett’s revelation today that Daniel Leesong’s contract was “terminated” raises serious further questions about this issue.

So too does his claim that he would have kept Mr Leesong on if only he could afford to – suggesting that Mr Leesong was indeed forced out.

It is clear that the Premier is not telling the whole story over this matter. He must today come clean and fully answer the following questions.

Failure to do so will prove he has something to hide.

1. Who initiated the “termination” of this contract? Was it the Government; or was it Mr Leesong?

2. If we are to presume it was Mr Leesong, based on his public comments, why did Mr Leesong receive eight weeks severance pay and two weeks in lieu of notice?

3. How much was this 10 weeks bonus, in total?

4. Is it normal process for Ministerial staff to receive severance pay when they leave voluntarily?

5. Did Mr Leesong’s contract stipulate these generous voluntary departure clauses? If so, the Premier must release the contract.
Will Hodgman MP Leader of the Opposition