Troy Buswell has today resigned as state treasurer after admitting to the abuse of taxpayers' funds during an affair with Greens MP Adele Carles.
Troy Buswell has today resigned as state treasurer after admitting to the abuse of taxpayers' funds during an affair with Greens MP Adele Carles.
In a press conference this morning, a sombre Premier Colin Barnett said Mr Buswell's position had become untenable and that the hapless treasurer had tendered his resignation, effective immediately.
"I have accepted the resignation of Troy Buswell, as both treasurer and member of the cabinet," Mr Barnett said.
"I accepted his resignation with a sense of disappointment and sadness.
"Troy will continue as a member for Vasse and has told me he will continue to support the government."
In a statement this afternoon, Mr Buswell confirmed his resignation.
"I hope that I can continue to make a contribution to Government from the backbench and to represent the constituents of Vasse," he said.
Mr Barnett said he had become aware of the relationship between the pair about a week ago and indicated the affair was the reason behind Mr Buswell's absence from the Council of Australian Governments meeting last week.
However, Mr Barnett stressed that he only became aware over the misuse of taxpayers funds yesterday when he was told by his chief of staff before Mr Buswell's press conference yesterday morning.
As a result of Mr Buswell's immediate departure from cabinet, Mr Barnett will takeover the treasury portfolio just three weeks before the state budget is due to be handed down, while Nedlands MP Bill Marmion has been promoted to take the portfolios of commerce, science and innovation and housing and works.
When asked by reporters about whether Mr Buswell could return to the cabinet, Mr Barnett replied: "Anything is possible in the future, however Troy cannot be a member of cabinet and I would think that situation would apply for quite some time in the future".
However, Mr Barnett said that he could not rule out Mr Buswell's re-entry into cabinet before the next election.
Mr Barnett will also review the structure of his cabinet later this year, adding that it was not a good model for the premier to also be looking after the treasury portfolio.
He also declined to name potential candidates for the role, only saying that there were several good choices.
It has been widely speculated that current Attorney General Christian Porter is likely to take on the treasurer position.
Meantime, the misappropriation of taxpayers' funds has prompted the premier to direct Public Sector Commissioner Mal Wauchope to review the use of entitlements, and ensure any misuse is corrected.
It's a move that is opposed by state Labor leader Eric Ripper, who says that while the public sector commission should carry out the review, an independent body, such as the Corruption and Crime Commission, should oversee the review.
Mr Buswell yesterday apologised to Mr Barnett, the Liberal Party and his wife Margaret Cummins, admitting that he misused public funds on four occasions during the secret four-month liaison.
Despite the latest scandal, Mr Barnett today said that Mr Buswell remained his good friend.
"This is a blow to the government, it's a set back we will deal with in a professional way," Mr Barnett said.
The affair is the latest in a string of indiscretions for the 44-year-old who was twice forced to repay incorrect travel claims in 2009 and two years ago admitted to sniffing the chair of a female staff member and snapping the bra of a Labor staffer.
The scandal cost Mr Buswell his state Liberal leadership position however he had reinvented his public image as a hard yet intelligent treasurer when the Liberals were voted to power in August 2008.
Helen Morton will become Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier; Treasurer and Minister for State Development, and continue as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Water and Mental Health.
