South Australia’s deputy premier, Vickie Chapman, will step aside from the role and her ministerial duties until the government receives an ombud’s report.
A parliamentary committee last week recommended Chapman be found “guilty of contempt” for misleading parliament, amid claims she also had a conflict of interest in blocking a timber port development on Kangaroo Island.
Shortly afterwards, the South Australian parliament passed a vote of no confidence in Chapman.
Chapman said on Monday morning she had advised premier Steven Marshall of her decision.
“I will be stepping aside as Attorney-General and Minister for Planning and Local Government pending the outcome of the Ombudsman’s inquiry,” Chapman said.
“I will advise the House of Assembly party room that I will be standing down as the deputy leader.”
She said she welcomed the ombud inquiry, and needed to step aside to ensure no impediment to the process.
Marshall said last week he was confident the Ombud would not find adverse findings against Chapman.
Chapman has been accused of having a conflict of interest in her decision to reject a Kangaroo Island development because her family owns a rental property on the island near the proposed project.
She has rejected that she had a personal or business interest in the decision.
READ MORE:
Any feedback or news tips? Here’s where to contact the relevant team.