Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

As I said, some of the factors that would be taken into account would be maintaining a safe working environment and protecting the public's confidence. I'm sure you can understand that, if there were an allegation of bullying or, particularly, sexual harassment or something that would not be in line with the APS code of conduct, in the interests of the agency, a suspension would be considered. It is a power that gives the minister the ability to suspend the statutory office holder, initially only for three months, if it is in the interest of that entity, as I said. Perhaps to pre-empt future questions, for longer suspensions, appropriate safeguards must be in place and link to formal processes that may be underway.