Colin Barnett dumps Troy Buswell over affair fallout
- From: AAP
- April 27, 2010
TROY Buswell has been dumped as Western Australian treasurer, forced to tender his resignation after Premier Colin Barnett signalled his position was "untenable".
Mr Buswell, infamous for his "chair-sniffing" exploits and snapping the bra strap of a Labor staffer, yesterday confirmed he had an affair with WA Greens MP Adele Carles, admitting he used a ministerial car and hotel entitlements during the liaison.
Mr Barnett, who was thrust into the national spotlight last week after he refused to sign up to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's health reform package, will add to his heavy workload by taking on treasury responsibilities ahead of the WA budget next month.
"I will deliver this year's budget on May 20 and will continue into that role for some time," he said.
Mr Barnett did not indicate how long he would remain as treasurer.
He said that while the affair was a matter between two adults, using ministerial entitlements was not.
"I became aware that Government entitlements had been used and I became aware of that just over this last weekend," Mr Barnett said.
"This morning, I met with Troy, I pointed out to him that his situation was untenable, he accepted that and agreed with that and tendered his resignation."
Mr Buswell's resignation from Cabinet is effective immediately. He will remain the member for Vasse.
On Sunday, Ms Carles, who snatched the seat of Fremantle from Labor at a 2009 by-election, revealed she'd had an affair with Mr Buswell.
Mr Barnett said he had asked Public Sector Commissioner Malcolm Walker to investigate the use of entitlements by Mr Buswell and Ms Carles.
"If any misuse of entitlements (he will ensure) any money is repaid to the Government," he said.