Caltabiano steps aside on ethics issue

Transport and Main Roads Director-General Michael Caltabiano appears at the Estimates Committee Hearing. Picture: Philip Norrish Source: The Courier-Mail

A letter from Transport and Main Roads minister Scott Emerson to the Speaker, Fiona Simpson. Source: Supplied

A letter from Queensland Speaker Fiona Simpson regarding a matter of privilege involving Michael Caltabiano. Source: Supplied

CAMPBELL Newman's most controversial public servant, Michael Caltabiano is under investigation for allegedly misleading State Parliament about his work history.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the Transport and Main Roads' Director-General has been referred to the Ethics Committee by Speaker Fiona Simpson, regarding statements Mr Caltabiano made to the budget estimates hearing.

Ms Simpson was reacting to a letter from Transport Minister Scott Emerson raising concerns Mr Caltabiano may have misinformed the committee.

At 4.30pm today, Mr Emerson said Mr Caltabiano was being stood down on full pay until the matter was resolved.

Read the Minister's statement below

The referral follows The Courier-Mail's reporting about Mr Caltabiano's association with lobbying firm Entree Vous which had previously been part-owned by current departmental liaison officer Ben Gommers. 

Mr Caltabiano told estimates last week, he had "no previous professional working knowledge or experience" of his departmental liaison officers, but said he knew him personally.

In his letter, Mr Emerson cited reports put forward by The Courier-Mail as raising a "prima facie case that Mr Caltabiano may have misinformed the committee".

"Reports have indicated that Mr Caltabiano was listed on a website for lobbying firm Entree Vous along with Mr Gommers in the past," he wrote.

"I am writing to you to request you refer the matter to the Ethics Committee for investigation," Mr Emerson said.

In response, Ms Simpson said she had considered the information and was satisfied that "there is sufficient evidence to refer the matter tot he attention of the Ethics Committee".

A spokeswoman for Mr Caltabiano has previously said it would be 'incorrect and inaccurate to assert he worked for the company, and incorrect, inaccurate and misleading to assert he worked with Mr Gommers'.

"He advises he never received any payment for services provided to the company.  He advises it would be incorrect and inaccurate to assert he worked for the company."

If found guilty of lying to Parliament, Mr Caltabiano could potentially face criminal charges under changes to the law reintroduced by the Newman Government.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Director-General Micahel Caltabiano appear at the Estimates Committee Hearing. Picture: Philip Norrish Source: The Courier-Mail

The Statement by Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson:

Following recent media reports I have written to the Speaker requesting she refer statements by Transport and Main Roads Director-General Michael Caltabiano to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee.

During the Transport and Main Roads Estimates Hearing (October 18) Mr Caltabiano said he had known a staff member personally, not professionally.

I've been assured by Mr Caltabiano that this is the case.

However, I believe this is a matter requires the appropriate scrutiny by Parliament's Ethics Committee.

During this period, Mr Caltabiano will be stepping aside as Director-General of Transport and Main Roads on full pay, under standard arrangements.

Deputy Director-General Neil Scales will be acting Director-General during this period.

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