Australian parliamentary services boss denies romantic relationship with deputy despite declaring conflict of interest

Rob Stefanic tells Senate he declared a conflict of interest over ‘close friendship’ with subordinate due to ‘gossip’

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The Department of Parliamentary Services boss, Rob Stefanic, has denied having a romantic relationship with his then subordinate, telling Senate estimates he formally declared a conflict of interest only due to “gossip” and “rumour”.

Senate estimates heard on Tuesday that Stefanic declared a conflict due to his personal relationship with Cate Saunders, a former deputy secretary in the department, in August 2022. The hearing was told Stefanic remained her boss for eight months until she was seconded to another agency.

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