Jackie Trad cleared by crime watchdog but ‘created corruption risk’
Former deputy premier Jackie Trad has been cleared of any wrongdoing over the appointment of a school principal, but her interference in the process posed a “corruption risk”, according to the state’s corruption watchdog.
Jackie Trad says she will not be returning to Cabinet after the election. (Photo: AAP Image/Dan Peled)
Trad was investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission over the selection process for the principal of a new high school in her electorate.
She denied any wrongdoing and a CCC report tabled in parliament found there was no evidence that Trad committed a criminal offence or that she was motivated by any dishonest or corrupt intent.
“Notwithstanding this, the nature of her involvement in DoE decision-making created a corruption risk,” the CCC report said.
The CCC found Trad did not intend to influence decision-making in the way she did.
“The decision to involve the Deputy Premier in the recruitment process was ill-advised. The failure to keep records fell well below the standards expected of senior public servants.”
-AAP
