Super SA chief Dini Soulio: Who is the top SA bureaucrat suspended amid sexual harassment claims?

Top bureaucrat Dini Soulio has been suspended amid allegations of sexual harassment. But who is Mr Soulio? Here’s what we know so far.

Dini Soulio has been stood down from his role as chief executive of Super SA while the Department of Treasury and Finance investigates misconduct allegations against him. Picture: Supplied

Political and public sector circles are in shock as it was revealed one of South Australia’s most senior public servants has been suspended pending the outcome of an internal workplace investigation into his conduct.

The Advertiser reported on Wednesday that Dini Soulio, 52, has been stood down from his role as chief executive of Super SA while the Department of Treasury and Finance investigates misconduct allegations against him.

The complaints relate to Mr Soulio’s time as the state’s Consumer Affairs, and Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.

Mr Soulio had been the commissioner for almost 10 years before he became the boss on Super SA in March this year.

It is understood complaints were lodged only recently.

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

Here’s what we know so far.

Who is Dini Soulio?

Mr Soulio is well-known throughout political and public sector circles, having been a widely-respected bureaucrat for over 20 years.

Early in his working life, Mr Soulio worked as a lawyer in private practice before going on to work at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Customs Service.

He then took on the role of compliance and enforcement director at the former Consumer and Business Affairs Office in 2009, moving up to become the agency’s deputy commissioner in 2012.

Two years later, in 2014, he was appointed the Consumer Affairs, Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.

He held this position for almost a decade before he took on the role of chief executive at Super SA in March this year.

Dini Soulio has been suspended from his role as chief executive of Super SA as an internal workplace investigation into his conduct is carried out. Picture: Super SA

What are the allegations against Dini Soulio?

The Treasury and Finance Department launched an investigation after allegations of professional misconduct and sexual harassment were levelled at Mr Soulio, according to well-placed sources.

They sources the complaints involved “multiple” women over “several” years, including allegations surrounding consensual relationships as well as both inappropriate language and physical interactions.

It is understood the complaints were lodged only recently and relate only to his time as Consumer Affairs, Liquor and Gambling Commissioner. No complaints relate to his time as the Super SA chief executive.

While the Attorney-General’s Department is in charge of the commissioner’s office, the Department of Treasury and Finance is leading the investigation, as it oversees Super SA.

Department chief executive Rick Persse confirmed Mr Soulio had been suspended and an investigation was underway “in relation to Mr Soulio’s conduct in a previous role”.

“Out of respect to all parties involved, no further details will be provided,” he said.

Super SA has appointed Patrick McAvaney as its acting chief executive in the interim.

It is unclear whether Mr Soulio is continuing to be paid while suspended.

His salary is not publicly available.

What has Dini Soulio said?

The Advertiser put the allegations to Mr Soulio. He declined to comment on the specific claims however he said he “will co-operate with any investigation that the department undertakes”.

“It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time,” he said.