Only a thorough and independent inquiry into former Sports Minister Jane Howlett's handling of a conflict of interest will clear up Premier Peter Gutwein's Cabinet chaos.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said Peter Gutwein had refused to say whether the former Minister for Sport and Recreation had declared a conflict of interest during Cabinet deliberations.
"There are real questions now about whether the Ministerial Code of Conduct is worth the paper it is written on," Ms White said.
"Peter Gutwein's don't ask, don't tell culture is alive and thriving and calls into question the integrity of the government he leads.
"The Premier refused to say if Ms Howlett had followed the provisions of the Ministerial Code of Conduct which is clear that conflicts must be declared.
"The Code is also clear that other Ministers must also declare any conflicts they observe:
Recognising the convention of collective responsibility for Government decisions, Ministers are obliged to report any Code non-compliance by themselves or by another Minister to the Premier, or in the case of the Premier to Cabinet.
"There is a cloud over the integrity of this government and the only way for this matter to be cleared up is for an independent investigation to be launched."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
