 Premier cannot be serious over appalling judgement on intimidation and bullying
 Hodgman has not bothered to seek both sides to shocking incident
 Ministerial Code of Conduct stands for nothing if breaches have no consequence

Premier Will Hodgman’s refusal to take decisive action over serious allegations of bullying and intimidation against his Police and Infrastructure Minister have made a complete mockery of his government’s Ministerial Code of Conduct.

Labor Member for Lyons Rebecca White said the Premier’s claim that he had sought advice from his department and the Solicitor General and “formed the view” Rene Hidding had not breached the Code was an alarming attempt to sweep the scandal under the carpet.

“It’s completely unacceptable that Mr Hodgman has refused to see what is clear to all Tasmanians,” Ms White said.

“Only the Premier can make a determination about breaches of the Code of Conduct and neither the department or the Solicitor General can offer advice about an actual incident, only an interpretation of the Code.

“The Premier has made a very important ruling and reached a conclusion without attempting to gather important evidence from Ruth Forrest who experienced Mr Hidding’s intimidating behaviour.

“He has ignored Ms Forrest’s very clear claim that she felt bullied and intimidated, threatened and coerced and browbeaten.

“That should be evidence enough for Mr Hodgman to ask for Mr Hidding’s resignation or sack him from his Ministry.

“But instead the Premier has chosen to try and dismiss these claims and in doing so he is showing he has no intention of upholding the very important Code around Ministerial conduct – specifically the clear direction that Ministers must treat all Tasmanians with respect, courtesy and not harass, victimise or discriminate. He has chosen to send a message that the Code stands for nothing if clear breaches have no consequence.

“What is the point of having a Code of Conduct when the Premier has no intention of enforcing it?

“The Premier’s response to this scandal has been disgraceful.

“If he is serious about his well-versed commitment to stamping out violence in all forms, the Premier owes it to all Tasmanians to get serious, stop trying to sweep this incident under the carpet and hope it will just go away and stand Mr Hidding down from his Cabinet while a thorough investigation is undertaken.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Member for Lyons