NSW Premier Nathan Rees has dumped cabinet minister Tony Stewart, who was already on suspension over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Stewart, the minister for small business, science and medical research and the minister assisting the minister for health, will be “removed from office”, Rees said a statement.
After receiving the report of an independent investigation into Stewart, Rees said he would ask the lieutenant-governor to remove the suspended minister from the frontbench.
Senior lawyer Chris Ronalds SC was brought in to investigate claims Stewart verbally assaulted his former staff member Tina Sanger.
Rees has now tabled Ronalds’ report in parliament.
“I made my position on this matter very clear,” Rees said.
“I warned him that he needed to tell me the truth.
“I made it very plain that if his version of events was established to be incorrect the minister’s position would be untenable.”
“Based on the findings of Ms Ronalds’ investigations I indicated to the minister that he no longer enjoyed my confidence.”
