Labor pushes for independent assessment of Minister Roger Jaensch’s alleged Code of Conduct breach

Labor is calling for an independent assessment into Minister Roger Jaensch’s alleged breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct, but Premier Peter Gutwein says the minister has his full support.

• Jaensch’s actions pale beside those of federal colleague
• Opposition renews calls for MP to resign
• No confidence motion: Minister accused of lying

A PUSH has been made for a formal investigation into Liberal MP Roger Jaensch’s alleged breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct.

However Premier Peter Gutwein said he would not launch an inquiry as the Minister had the government’s full support.

Mr Jaensch was accused of deliberately misleading parliament after saying he was unaware of plans to amend the laws covering evictions.

Labor leader Rebecca White wrote to Premier Peter Gutwein on Sunday requesting he direct an “arms’ length and independent assessment” into the matter.

“It is the Premier’s responsibility to ensure that his Ministers display the highest standards of honesty and integrity,” she said.

“It is vital that the Premier now directs an independent assessment of Jaensch’s breach to ensure the Ministerial Code of Conduct is now upheld.

“This issue isn’t going away.”

Tasmanian Parliament. Minister Roger Jaensch during amendments to the Major Projects bill.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said there needed to be a debate in Parliament.

“The Liberals were foolish not to let the debate proceed on Thursday, because the question of confidence in the Minister and whether the house does have confidence hangs over Minister Jaensch from now until when we have the debate,” she said.

Mr Gutwein said the real issue was that Ms O’Connor had “knowingly orchestrated a political stunt” using Cabinet in Confidence information she came across as a result of a public servant’s error.

“And now it’s clear Rebecca White and the Labor Party have nothing better to do than ride on the coat tails of the Greens in a desperate attempt to gain relevance and a headline,” he said.

“How Labor and the Greens choose to waste their time is a matter for them, my focus is on rebuilding Tasmania as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”

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