NSW premier returns to Sydney to face political firestorm after bullying allegations levelled at minister
The NSW premier is preparing to fly home following his overseas jaunt to face a political firestorm after one minister was accused of bullying and another was pulled into the US trade posting saga.
Allegations of “serious bullying” emerged on Friday against SafeWork Minister Eleni Petinos including claims she used the words “retard” and “stupid” towards staff while “yelling and swearing”.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet confirmed it received an “anonymous complaint” but the staffer wanted no action taken.
“She has denied the allegation,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Friday
“I am satisfied that the complaint was dealt with appropriately.
“If I do find evidence of bullying, that person will lose their job.”
Opposition Leader Chris Minns called for Petinos to be sacked if the allegations are true.
“There wouldn’t be a workplace in any part of the country that this person wouldn’t be fired from immediately if these allegations are true,” he said.
Meanwhile, Trade Minister Stuart Ayres is under the spotlight after he was accused of involving himself in the independent process of hiring the US trade commissioner.
The hiring process eventually saw John Barilaro handed the New York trade posting, which later sparked controversy among ministers and two separate inquiries.
Barilaro has since withdrawn from the role due to the media attention.
“I standby my statements that this has been a selection process in accordance with the law,” Ayres said.
Minns also jumped upon the accusations levelled against Ayres, claiming if he was a member of the Labor government “he would’ve been marched by now”.
Perrottet will arrive back in Sydney this weekend to face the scandals embroiling his ministry that have overshadowed his overseas trade tour. “I admit it’s been frustrating but I haven’t been distracted this trip,” he said.
