Former official now integrity examiner investigates Tudge allegations

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Former senior official Vivienne Thom is set to investigate Alan Tudge’s allegations made by a former staff member about their relationship in 2017.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the investigation last week and that Tudge, who is education minister, would step down while it unfolds.

Rachelle Miller, who had a consensual relationship with Tudge in 2017, alleged the relationship was emotionally abusive and on one occasion physically abusive.

“This relationship has been defined by a significant power imbalance,” Miller told reporters last week.

Tudge said he “completely and totally rejects” the allegations.

“I accepted responsibility for a consensual affair that should not have happened many years ago. But Ms. Miller’s claims are false, did not happen, and are contradicted by her own written words about me, ”Tudge said in a statement to the CBA.

“I regret having to say these things. I do not wish Ms. Miller any harm, but I must defend myself in light of these allegations, which I reject.

Thom, who has 30 years of public service experience, served as Inspector General of Intelligence and Security, Deputy Commonwealth Ombud, Chief of the Royal Australian Mint and IP Australia Commissioner of Patents.

The federal government now lists Thom as an independent consultant who investigates, reviews and advises agencies on governance and integrity issues.

In 2020, she investigated the case of ASIC boss James Shipton and a $ 118,000 tax advice bill, as well as the $ 30 million payment to liberal donors Tony and Ron Perich for a land valued at $ 3 million at Badgerys Creek.

Morrison told Parliament on Thursday that the allegations were “obviously of deep concern” and that it was important that the issues be “resolved fairly and expeditiously”.

“The Minister has accepted my request to step down while these matters are being addressed by my ministry through an independent and fair process to ensure that the issues that have been raised can be properly assessed and the views expressed by respective parties in relation to these matters. ,” he said.

“This will allow them, in my department, to provide me with any further advice regarding the implications for the ministerial standard.”

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