Queensland integrity commissioner, Dr Nikola Stepanov, has accused the state’s Public Service Commission CEO of calling her a “bitch on a witch hunt” during a phone call in 2018.
Robert Setter, the CEO of the Public Service Commission has denied the claim, saying he’s “appalled and saddened” by it.
Dr Nikola Stepanov made the accusation on Monday during a Parliamentary Committee, speaking under parliamentary privilege, responding to a question about whether she could confirm the reports of the slur.
“I do confirm that I have had comments of that nature, including said to me,” she said.
“I support a modern public service where women and men, particularly those emerging as leaders, are not subjected to those kinds of gender-based slurs.”
Later, Setter said he absolutely denied making the slur.
“I am appalled and saddened at what the Integrity Commissioner under parliamentary privilege claimed I said to her in 2018,” he said.
“I am appalled because it is not behaviour that I consider appropriate, ever.
“I deny absolutely making any misogynistic comments to or about the Integrity Commissioner at any time.”
QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Stepanov and Setter should “sort their issues out” and get back to work.
“Let me say very clearly, these are two senior public servants. They should get back to work and they should sort their issues out,” she said.
“I’m not going to get into this argy-bargy. Honestly they’re both grown up.
“I’ve got better things to deal with in terms of people who are impacted by the floods out there, and I think the public would rightly want me to say settle your differences and let’s get on with doing our jobs.”
Palaszczuk said they could “sit in a room and have a full and frank discussion” if necessary.
“I’m quite sure they can get a mediator or a negotiator. People do that in workplaces all of the time.
“There are people out there who have lost their homes, they’ve lost their livelihoods. I think the last thing they want to see is two senior public servants having a brawl.”