Australian parliamentary services boss denies romantic relationship with deputy despite declaring conflict of interest
Rob Stefanic tells Senate he declared a conflict of interest over ‘close friendship’ with subordinate due to ‘gossip’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastThe 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.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...

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.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...