‘Conflicts of interest’ behind Australian parliamentary official’s $315k retirement payment, report finds

Barrister finds ‘multiple procedural failures’ in payment to Cate Saunders, who had ‘close’ relationship with former DPS secretaryGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn independent “fact-finding mission” into a $315,126 retirement payment to a senior parliamentary department official has found “multiple procedural failures” including overpayment, a disregard for specialist advice and “excessive pressure” applied in the payment’s timing.The report by Sydney barrister Fiona Roughley SC, released Thursday, found there were “conflicts of interest” and “conflicted persons” within the Department of Parliamentary Services involved in the decision-making process. Continue reading...