New South Wales Small Business and Fair Trade Minister Eleni Petinos has been sacked, plunging the state government further into crisis.
Key Points:
- The Miranda MP was removed from the cabinet by Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet after his return from abroad
- On Friday, Ms. Petinos denied any wrongdoing after an anonymous complaint was filed against her
- It came from an employee in his office, who alleged harassment by Ms. Petinos
The Prime Minister has dropped the Miranda MP from the state cabinet, a day after he returned from an overseas business trip.
On Friday, it was revealed that an employee in Ms Petinos’ office had filed an anonymous complaint, alleging bullying.
The minister denied any wrongdoing, and issued a statement saying “I reject any allegations of wrongdoing”.
Speaking from India, the prime minister confirmed that the allegation had been investigated but was satisfied with the outcome.
The prime minister now says his position has become untenable.
Mr Perrottet says Ms Petinos’ service as a NSW minister will end with immediate effect. (ABC News)
“Today I have spoken with the Minister of Small Business and Fair Trade, Eleni Petinos, having brought to my attention other matters relating to her,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“In light of these matters, Ms. Petinos’ service as minister will cease with immediate effect, and I will be writing to the governor tomorrow to that effect.”
Ms Petinos was elevated to the ministry in December last year, as one of three new Liberal women promoted to the cabinet.
The prime minister has now lost one of the seven coalition women in her 26-strong cabinet.
His sacking comes as Trade Minister Stuart Ayres has come under increasing pressure over the appointment of former deputy prime minister John Barilaro to a lucrative trade role in New York.
Documents released publicly to parliament have cast doubt on his involvement in the recruitment process and whether he misled parliament.
Petinos has been a state representative for seven years.
Mr Ayres, who is also deputy Liberal leader, maintains the process was carried out at a distance from the government and the prime minister stands by his minister.
Petinos has been a member of Miranda since 2015.
The Minister of Customer Service, Victor Dominello, will assume his ministerial responsibilities.
“Tonight, the Prime Minister informed me that I would no longer be a minister in his government,” he said.
“I would never intentionally offend anyone or make them feel uncomfortable, and if I did I’m very sorry.”
She says she intends to continue as a member of Miranda.
“I do politics to make a positive difference,” he said.
“I am proud of my work while serving the people of NSW as Minister for Small Business and Minister for Fair Trading.”