• Will Hodgman fails to respond to Rene Hidding scandal
• Minister clearly breached the code of conduct
• Premier doesn’t live up to his own rhetoric
Premier Will Hodgman’s failure to address a clear breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct highlights his lack of leadership.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said the Premier’s reaction to the events of the week have been telling.
“We have seen a complete lack of leadership from Will Hodgman over the Rene Hidding scandal” Mr Bacon said.
“A highly respected member of the Legislative Council is bullied and intimidated inside parliament by a member of Will Hodgman’s cabinet and the Premier’s response is complete silence.
“The Minister himself has acknowledged his behaviour was unacceptable and it is a clear breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct.
“The Premier’s only public comment has been to defend his minister.
“It’s becoming a trademark of Will Hodgman to go missing when there is bad news to deal with.
“This has been the worst example yet of the Premier’s failure to back up his rhetoric with action.
“He says he doesn’t tolerate bullying behaviour but when he’s faced with a very serious example of it within his own government, he says and does nothing in response.
“By excusing Rene Hidding’s behaviour, the Premier is sending a message to the rest of his government that bullying and intimidation is tolerated.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer
