Integrity heat on Petrusma

Wood use welcomed

THE allegation that a government staffer contravened the Commissioner for Children and Young People Act has been referred to the Integrity Commission.

Labor child safety spokesman Josh Willie told Budget Estimates yesterday that he referred the allegation — that Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma’s chief of staff issued a directive to the Children’s Commissioner in contravention of the Act — to the commission after “respected people” raised it with him.

He said he had been unable to verify the allegation but had no reason to doubt its veracity.

Mr Willie’s statements came after he repeatedly asked Ms Petrusma if her chief of staff had issued a directive to Children’s Commissioner Mark Morrissey to stop providing advice to Ms Petrusma in writing.

Ms Petrusma did not deny the allegation outright last night, but said she had regular THE State Government says its policy to encourage the use of timber in public building projects will be an Australian first.

The Tasmanian Wood Encouragement Policy means wood will need to be considered for use in future public building projects.

Resources Minister Guy meetings with Mr Morrissey and communicated with him in a range of formats.

She said Mr Morrissey regularly communicated with her in writing.

A person may be fined if found to “obstruct, or hinder, a person who is performing a function or exercising a power” under the Commissioner for Children and Young People Act.

In a statement, Mr Morrissey said that to effectively perform his role he kept Barnett said the policy would deliver opportunities for Tasmanian timber.

Mr Barnett said the new MACq 01 hotel was an example of an innovative project featuring local timbers.

The policy has been welcomed by the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects. conversations and discussions with ministers confidential.

Ms Petrusma also faced a barrage of questions over her office’s involvement in right to information requests.

Ms Petrusma said RTI applications were handled at arms length, and she denied any assertions that proper process was not being followed.

Ms Petrusma launched the Youth at Risk strategy yesterday to assist people aged between 10 and 17.