Tasmanian Tourism Minister attempts suicide
Tasmanian Cabinet Minister Paula Wriedt has spoken for the first time to the ABC since she attempted suicide on Monday.
In a statement, Ms Wriedt says she has medical advice she is suffering from depression and has been for some time.
Ms Wriedt has also confirmed she had an affair with a Government employee.
She says the relationship was consensual and ended earlier this year after a period of some months.
Ms Wriedt says she regrets the hurt her relationship with her former driver, Ben Chaffey and called for privacy as she recovers.
The Tasmanian Government is under pressure to reveal if it is considering granting an ex-gratia payment to Ms Wriedt’s former driver.
Mr Chaffey is taking legal action against his former boss.
Premier David Bartlett has confirmed a Government employee has launched legal action against the Tourism Minister, but says it does not relate to sexual harassment.
Greens’ leader Nick McKim says the Government must say if a payout is an option.
“After all, it is taxpayer funds at stake here,” he said.
The Premier has not responded to speculation Mr Chaffey is seeking more than $100,000, but earlier today Mr Bartlett said he told Ms Wriedt last week that any outcome or settlement would be made public.
“That has obviously precipitated the difficult circumstances that we are in,” Mr Bartlett said.
Mr Bartlett says the action caused Ms Wriedt significant stress and she discussed resigning.
A Report by The Mole from the ABC
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