Analysis: double standards on display in Perrottet’s cabinet crisis

The Premier’s decision to sack Eleni Petinos over the mere “possibility” of an “unsafe workplace” only highlights his flat-footed response to claims against Stuart Ayres, writes James O’Doherty.

Dominic Perrottet’s decision to sack Miranda MP Eleni Petinos from his cabinet over the mere “possibility” that she was overseeing an “unsafe workplace” only highlights the Premier’s flat-footed response to serious claims against his besieged Trade Minister Stuart Ayres.

Four weeks after calling for an independent review to examine the appointment of Former Deputy Premier John Barilaro to a plum New York trade role, the Premier is still waiting for its findings.

He has become paralysed, finally admitting on Monday that the review has taken longer than is “politically palatable,” and pleading with his colleagues to be patient with the process.

So when an anonymous complaint was levelled against Petinos, the Premier had no choice but to act swiftly. In India, he told journalists that he had a no tolerance approach to bullying.

After coming home, and following further inquiries with Department of Customer Service Secretary Emma Hogan, Perrottet made a “judgment” call that Petinos had to go.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet sacked Miranda MP Eleni Petinos. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

He sacked the first-time Minister after forming the view that it was just “possible, if not probable” that the environment in her office was not of an “appropriate” standard.

That is despite Petinos denying allegations of bullying revealed by The Daily Telegraph last week, and disputing separate claims that led to her sacking.

“I cannot be in a position as premier where a ministerial staffer or a member of the public service, through a DLO (Department Liaison Officer) arrangement in an office, does not feel safe,” Perrottet said.

“Based on the information I have received, I don’t believe that the environment in that office was appropriate,” he said.

“In public life you have to have the highest standards.”

So why the different standards for different scandals?

Besieged Trade Minister Stuart Ayres. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

On Monday, Perrottet said he sees the Barilaro trade scandal and accusations that Petinos oversaw an unsafe work environment “very differently”.

The two issues are not the same, but after delaying any potential action in the Barilaro trade appointment, the Premier is now desperately trying to calm nervous MPs who want Ayres to go.

The Premier has allowed the trade commissioner scandal to fester, as the perception that the process was entirely above board has slowly rotted away.

Perrottet is set to receive former public service commissioner Graeme Head’s review into the matter in days. The Premier’s response to that review must be immediate, and decisive.