Hodgman picks ex-Cash man

A FORMER staffer who left the controversial press office of Federal Employment Minister Michaelia Cash late last year has been appointed a media adviser to Premier Will Hodgman.

Andrew Hudgson was let go from Senator Cash’s office in December after a reshuffle that saw the minister take on new portfolio responsibilities.

Mr Hudgson worked in Senator Cash’s office with David De Garis, who resigned after revelations last year that media outlets were tipped off about Australian Federal Police raids on the Australian Workers’ Union.

Mr Hudgson was not accused of any wrongdoing.

AWU offices interstate were raided as part of an investigation into donations by the union over a decade ago when it was led by curren t Labor leader Bill Shorten.

Senator Cash had previously denied to Senate Estimates that she or her staff informed the media of the raid.

The AFP is still investigating the case.

Opposition employment spokesman Brendan O’Connor said yesterday it was about time the public knew the truth.

“We’re still waiting for minister Cash to come clean on her office’s involvement in the ROC scandal,” he said.

Mr Hudgson will share media responsibility for the Premier, Treasurer Peter Gut- wein and Attorney-General Elise Archer with Chris Medhurst.

The Government’s media department faced a shake-up after the resignation of the Premier’s chief of staff Brad Stansfield. The new director of communications is Jodi de Cesare, a former media adviser for Tasmania Police and the University of Tasmania.

She replaces Vanessa Field who is believed to be in the running for chief of staff. Other continuing members are Martin Gilmour, James Billing and Rebecca Ellston.

Former Seven Network and Sky News reporter Lucy Langtry will provide media advice to Disability Services and Community Development Minister Jacquie Petrusma.

Labor has appointed Chris Taylor as senior media adviser.