Labor Party calls for code of conduct inquiry on privacy breach allegations against health minister

LABOR is maintaining heat on Health Minister Michael Ferguson over the sacking of Cricket Australia’s government relations manager, asking if he has breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct.

State Opposition Leader Rebecca White, left, and Opposition justice spokeswoman Ella Haddad have called for a code of conduct inquiry into health minister Michael Ferguson. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

LABOR is maintaining heat on Health Minister Michael Ferguson over the sacking of Cricket Australia government relations manager Angela Williamson, asking the Premier to find out if Mr Ferguson has breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct.

Last week, Labor asked Tasmania Police to investigate whether Mr Ferguson broke the law by revealing a Hobart woman’s private medical information.

That move was quickly dismissed by Mr Ferguson as a political stunt. Now Opposition Leader Rebecca White says she will formally request Premier Will Hodgman to stage an investigation into allegations Mr Ferguson disclosed Ms Williamson’s private medical details in the lead up to her dismissal.

Opposition justice spokeswoman Ella Haddad said if Mr Hodgman refused to act it would be “yet another example of his failure to stand up for women.”

Ms Williamson is seeking reinstatement and a six-figure compensation payout from the sport’s governing body over allegations she was fired for campaigning on social media for abortion reform.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson MHA. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Speaking for the government, Treasurer Peter Gutwein called on Labor to stop complaining and start working. “For months we’ve seen them constantly attack members and staff, resorting to stunts and conspiracy theories because they just can’t accept they were rejected,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Labor would do well to understand that whingeing isn’t a policy and complaining isn’t a platform and that Tasmanians deserve better from them.

“A good starting point would be for Rebecca White to finally release what was clearly a damning report into Labor’s election loss and demonstrate she’s prepared to learn from it.”

Ms White said while a referral to Tasmania Police was still under consideration, it was critical Mr Hodgman inquire into whether his health minister had breached the code of conduct.

Ms White said the Premier stated in his own Ministerial Code of Conduct — released on March 21 this year — that he demands the highest standards, including that ministers not mislead Parliament or the public in statements they make and treat everyone with respect, courtesy and in a fair and equitable manner without harassment, victimisation or discrimination.

Consequences for breaching the Code range from counselling and reprimand to recommending to the Governor that a minister be dismissed.