Ros Bates resigns, Caltabiano given notice in day of turmoil
THE top bureaucrat in Queensland's Transport and Main Roads Department has been sacked following allegations his mislead parliament.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson referred his department's director-general Michael Caltabiano to the parliamentary ethics committee in October following allegations Mr Caltabiano mislead an ethics committee about his work history.
The allegations relate to Mr Caltabiano's history with Ben Gommers, a TMR employee and MP Ros Bates' son.
It has been reported Mr Caltabiano and Mr Gommers business association dated back to their days at lobbyist firm, Entrée Vous.
But Mr Caltabiano told the estimates committee he knew Mr Gommers on a personal level but not professionally.
Premier Campbell Newman released a statement on Friday afternoon advising Mr Caltiabano's employment would end on March 15.
"Mr Caltabiano will remain on leave until that date," the statement read.
Mr Newman stated no further comment would be made.
Arts Minister, Science and IT Minister Ros Bates resigns
Today's news comes after Ros Bates became the third member of cabinet to resign since the Newman Government came to power.
The Arts, Science, IT and Innovation Minister has spent the past week defending her contacts with lobbyists, including not registering a recent meeting with a lobbyist.
She has also been questioned about taking extended leave and her son's role in the Transport and Main Roads Department.
Premier Campbell Newman issued a statement this morning accepting Ms Bates' resignation.
"Ros has done an outstanding job under difficult circumstances," Mr Newman said.
"Unfortunately the demanding role has taken a toll personally and on her health, and she had decided not to risk those issues impacting on the performance of her duties.
"I commend her for her decision. She has done the right thing by her family, her constituents, and the government."
Ms Bates' resignation makes her the third Minister to step down in the past 11 months.
Gympie MP David Gibson resigned as Police Minister due to a unpaid speeding fine last April.
Housing Minister Bruce Flegg resigned from his portfolio late last year following criticism about his contact with his lobbyist son.
