Super SA chief executive Dini Soulio dramatically quits amid Treasury sex scandal probe and Consumer Business Services review

One of the state’s most senior public servants has dramatically quit amid an official sexual misconduct investigation when he was South Australia’s consumer watchdog.

One of the state’s most senior public servants has dramatically quit amid an official sexual misconduct investigation when he was South Australia’s consumer watchdog.

Dini Soulio, 52, was suspended more than two months ago as chief executive of Super SA after being accused of sexual harassment and professional misconduct claims.

But Mr Soulio, who has denied wrongdoing, suddenly quit last Wednesday as the state government’s superannuation fund chief.

While Treasury boss Rick Persse accepted his resignation, an official agency investigation continues into Mr Soulio’s conduct as SA’s liquor licence and business affairs commissioner.

A separate, unprecedented $30,000 investigation is ongoing into “toxic” workplace allegations at Consumer Business Services, which was launched amid the sex scandal probe embroiling its former chief.

Dini Soulio had been Super SA chief executive since March this year. Picture: Super SA

The Treasury probe is investigating interactions with “multiple” women over “several” years, including consensual relationships as well as claims of inappropriate language and physical interactions.

Officials have declined to comment on specific allegations but said the Treasury Department-led inquiry related to Mr Soulio’s time at CBS.

Mr Soulio, who is also selling his luxury eastern suburbs house at Norwood, was CBS commissioner for more than a decade before he was appointed superannuation fund Super SA’s chief executive in March.

He was one of SA’s most respected bureaucrats, who served numerous Cabinet ministers over a 22-year public service career.

In a statement responding to inquiries, Mr Persse, the state’s Under Treasurer, revealed the Treasury and Finance department probe had not been dropped.

“This week I received and accepted Mr Soulio’s resignation from the role of Chief Executive, Super SA,” said Mr Persse, the incoming Department of Premier and Cabinet head.

“The investigation into matters concerning Mr Soulio’s employment in a previous role has not yet been finalised.

Rick Persse revealed the investigation into Mr Soulio’s conduct had not been dropped. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

“DTF (Department of Treasury and Finance) will not be providing any details about the investigation now, or once it has been finalised, out of respect for all of the parties involved”.

On Sunday, a government spokesperson said the CBS investigation was still ongoing.

Respected Attorney-General Department executive director, Steph Halliday, is acting boss of CBS, which is SA’s law enforcement agency of liquor licensing, illicit tobacco, commercial affairs and customer rights.

The agency also enforces hospitality, gambling, retail, vapes, housing and charities.

Mr Soulio, who is not accused of any criminal wrongdoing, on Friday said he resigned “for personal reasons and to pursue opportunities in the private sector after some 22 years in the public service”.

“As previously advised, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to provide any comment in relation to the investigation until I have been advised of the outcome,” he said.

“I would be pleased to address the matters raised at that point.”