Parliament House shock as bureaucrats’ offices are raided by corruption watchdog following romance scandal
- The National Anti-Corruption Commission raided offices
- DPS Secretary in relationship with former Secretary
A senior official has confirmed that the offices of bureaucrats running Parliament House have been raided by the National Anti-Corruption Commission months after revelations about their boss’s love life.
Department of Parliamentary Services acting secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe confirmed the raid on Monday while presenting Senate estimates, where she was questioned about the goings-on in her department, which has been marred by claims painting a toxic culture.
“I can confirm that the NACC has issued arrest warrants against the Ministry of Parliamentary Services,” she said.
‘Any questions regarding this activity and any investigation that the NACC may undertake should be referred to the NACC as I am aware that discussing matters may inadvertently identify individuals with interests, prematurely damage reputation and/or could jeopardize an individual’s right to an impartial trial.’
Ms Hinchcliffe said she was informed of the raid the day before and did not reveal why it was carried out.
Acting DPS Secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe has confirmed that her department has been raided by the NACC
She appeared before the senators in place of DPS Secretary Rob Stefanic, who went on indefinite leave in the days after the NACC action.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Stefanic was romantically involved with his former deputy secretary Cate Saunders. He has denied that they had a romantic relationship while working together.
Ms. Saunders left public service with an “incentive to retire” of approximately $315,000.
Ms Hinchcliffe said she ordered an independent investigation into the payment after receiving a complaint.
“I would like to share that after a DPS employee raised concerns with me about whether the department had followed the proper processes in incentivizing pension payments, I asked Dr. Fiona Roughley SC to conduct an independent fact-finding investigation into the department’s role in the pension benefits incentive scheme,” Ms Hinchcliffe said.
NewsWire has contacted the NACC for comment.