This morning South Australia’s Premier, the Hon Steven Marshall MP, released the following statement.
“The Honourable Vickie Chapman MP advised me late yesterday she will be stepping down from her position as Deputy Premier, and stepping aside as Attorney-General and Minister for Planning and Local Government until the Ombudsman report is received.”
It follows a vote of no confidence in Vickie Chapman which was passed by South Australia’s parliament, on Thursday last week.
Marshall’s statement continued, “The Ombudsman is overseen by the Attorney-General and she has therefore advised me that it is appropriate that she step aside from this position until the report is received.
“I reluctantly accept the advice and respect the decision the Attorney-General has made. I look forward to the conclusion of the inquiry and welcoming her back into Cabinet soon. The Attorney-General has been my deputy for nearly nine years and I thank her for her hard work, dedication and unwavering support.”
Hon Vickie Chapman MP said “I have advised the Premier that I will be stepping aside as Attorney-General and Minister for Planning and Local Government pending the outcome of the Ombudsman’s inquiry.
“I will advise the House of Assembly party room that I will be standing down as the Deputy Leader.
“As the Ombudsman reports to the Attorney-General, it is entirely appropriate to step aside for the duration of the inquiry. This is the precedent set by former Attorney-General Atkinson.
“I welcome the independent Ombudsman’s inquiry but it is important that I step aside to ensure there is no impediment to this process being undertaken.
“I do not wish in any way to compromise the Ombudsman or his delegate to be able to undertake this inquiry.
“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.
“The Premier will have more to say on this announcement at a press conference later today.”
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