An ex-Liberal staffer expressed concern about why she wasn’t involved in the inquiry into her affair with Alan Tudge. She claimed that it was meant to portray the government in a positive light.
Last year Mr Tudge was removed as education minister while his former employee Rachelle Miller was investigated by the Thom Inquiry into allegations of emotional or physical abuse.
Ms Miller and Mr Tudge both previously admitted to having an extramarital affair in 2017.
Although Mr Tudge denied the allegations of mistreatment by Ms Miller, he said that he was open to the idea of an investigation and would cooperate in any way possible.
In a tweet, Ms. Miller stated that when Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the inquiry on Sunday, 2 December, Miller told the government she wouldn’t participate as long it prohibited criminal conduct investigations.
She stated that “The government has not listened” to her concerns and refused to negotiate terms of reference.
“The government’s positive view of history is almost guaranteed by this sanitization of the inquiry, in relation to those events that suit its agenda, view of the world, and immediate political interest.”
She stated that one term of reference was required for the inquiry to be complete by 28 January.
She said that the government’s rush for judgment and sanitizing of terms of reference smacks a political fix.
She also said that the government had not promised her a complete copy.
Fairfax Media was asked by a spokesperson for the government if the report had been received on January 28th, if it would be published publicly and when Mr Tudge would make a decision about his political future.
Responding to Ms Miller’s assertion that the inquiry was political, the spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister has commissioned an independent investigation. Independent investigator Dr Vivian Thom AM is conducting the inquiry. These matters must be treated fairly, quickly and independently of government because of the seriousness and gravity of Ms Miller’s claims.
