Australian parliamentary services boss denies romantic relationship with deputy despite declaring conflict of interest
by Sarah Basford Canales from World news | The Guardian on (#6N3QT)
Rob Stefanic tells Senate he declared a conflict of interest over close friendship' with subordinate due to gossip'
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The Department of Parliamentary Services boss, Rob Stefanic, has denied having a romantic relationship with his then subordinate, telling Senate estimates he formally declared a conflict of interest only due to gossip" and rumour".
Senate estimates heard on Tuesday that Stefanic declared a conflict due to his personal relationship with Cate Saunders, a former deputy secretary in the department, in August 2022. The hearing was told Stefanic remained her boss for eight months until she was seconded to another agency.
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