Investigation into suspended Super SA chief executive Dini Soulio over sexual harassment, misconduct claims

One of the state’s most senior public servants is under an internal investigation over allegations of misconduct during his time as South Australia’s consumer watchdog.

Dini Soulio was Liquor & Gambling Commissioner and Commissioner for Consumer Affairs for almost 10 years. Picture: Supplied

One of the state’s most senior public servants is under an internal Treasury investigation over alleged sexual harassment and professional misconduct claims when he was South Australia’s consumer watchdog.

Dini Soulio, 52, a bureaucrat for the past two decades, has been suspended from his role as chief executive of the state government’s superannuation fund Super SA.

Treasury authorities have launched an investigation into misconduct allegations while he was SA’s liquor licence and business affairs commissioner.

Well-placed sources said authorities were investigating allegations including professional misconduct and sexual harassment claims.

It is understood no complaints were lodged until very recently after senior bureaucrats, including Attorney-General’s Department chief executive Caroline Mealor, learned of the concerns. Mr Soulio was suspended late last month.

Sources said complaints centred on “multiple” women over “several” years, which included consensual relationships as well as both inappropriate language and physical interactions.

Officials declined to comment on specific allegations but said the Treasury Department-led inquiry related to Mr Soulio’s time as Commissioner for Consumer Affairs.

Dini Soulio, joined Super SA in March. Picture: Super SA

It is believed Super SA and CBS staff have been told he is suspended over his “conduct”.

While it relates to his work within the Attorney-General’s Department, which oversees CBS, it is understood Treasury chief executive Rick Persse is heading up the investigation as his current employer.

It is believed an external investigator has been hired to investigate the claims against Mr Soulio, who started at Super SA in late March.

No allegations have been made related to his current job. His salary is not publicly available.

It is unclear if Mr Soulio, a lawyer from the Eastern suburbs who has held several law enforcement-related roles over the past 22 years, is still being paid.

It is not suggested the claims are true but that an investigation is ongoing.

Mr Soulio, who was the widely respected CBS boss for almost a decade and was also acting executive director of SA’s workplace watchdog SafeWork SA, is not accused of any criminal wrongdoing.

It is also understood political leaders have been left stunned at the disclosures.

Mr Soulio, who has also worked for Customs and the corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, declined to answer questions about the allegations.

But in a statement he said: “I will cooperate with any investigation that the department undertakes. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.”

In response to inquiries, Mr Persse said: “I confirm that an investigation is currently being undertaken in relation to Mr Soulio’s conduct in a previous role.

“Mr Soulio is currently suspended, and Mr Patrick McAvaney is acting as the Chief Executive, Super SA in the interim.

“At this time, the investigation is continuing. Out of respect to all parties involved, no further details will be provided.”

Treasury boss Rick Persse is overseeing the investigation because Mr Soulio is currently his employee. Picture: Matt Loxton

Consumer Affairs Commissioner Martyn Campbell and CBS Minister Andrea Michaels inspecting some of the illegal tobacco items seized during a raise in the north-eastern suburbs. Picture: Elizabeth Henson

The department would not confirm if he had been suspended on full, or no, pay.

An Attorney-General’s Department spokesman refused to comment and referred inquiries to Treasury.

CBS has been thrown into separate turmoil when its boss who replaced Mr Soulio abruptly quit after just eight weeks.

Martyn Campbell spent six years at SafeWork before becoming CBS commissioner in June. His last day was on Friday.

Sources said staff believed the conduct was one of the reasons for Mr Campbell suddenly resigning.

Mr Campbell, who was on a $1m 3-year contract, is returning to the private sector after telling colleagues he was making a “values” decision resulting in his surprise resignation.

He refused to comment on Wednesday.

Super SA is a dedicated pension fund, with more than $37bn in assets under management, for all SA public sector workers for the past 120 years.

Last year at least 14,000 of its clients fell victim to a major cyber breach after names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers and driver’s licences were stolen.

The stolen details of thousands of public servants were accessible on the “dark web” before the hacked data was recovered.