This afternoon, news has broken that ex-Deputy Premier Vickie Chapman is suspended from South Australia’s parliament.
After being found ‘guilty of contempt’ by the parliamentary committee previously, the former Attorney-General has been suspended from parliament for six days.
While the Liberal’s defended the resigned politician, the party was unable to pull the numbers to stop the suspension motion from occurring. Chapman resigned from her position as Deputy Premier after a vote of no confidence in the politician was delivered in parliament a fortnight ago. The inquiry findings stated that Chapman had deliberately misled the parliament, with the ex-Attorney General failing to declare her interests, which goes against the Ministerial code of conduct.
The shock departure comes after is was revealed that Chapman had a ‘conflict of interest’ in a planning development timber port project in Kangaroo Island. It was uncovered that the proposed port would interfere with property Chapman owned on KI and interest in the island’s tourism industry. The findings, handed down on November 18, suggested that Chapman issues a public apology, and serve a nine-day suspension.
While Chapman is suspended from parliament, she will remain a member of the Cabinet. She will not be able to receive any parliamentary perks, such as the bonus placed upon her ministerial wage, and will not be allowed to attend meetings. The State Ombudsman is further preparing an investigative report into Chapman’s involvement pertaining to the Kangaroo Island port.
After stepping aside from her position last week, Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan had replaced Chapman as Deputy Leader. Chapman said last week that it was entirely appropriate that she stood aside from her role whilst the Ombudsman concludes their investigation
“I do not wish in any way to compromise the Ombudsman or his delegate to be able to undertake this inquiry,” stated Chapman last week.
“I maintain that I have made the right decision in respect of the KI seaport proposal and that I had no conflict of interest, actual or perceived.”
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