Greens senator Barbara Pocock has questioned why a female deputy secretary was moved from a department over a perceived conflict, while the male secretary stayed in place.
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00:00 But my question is, in so many circumstances like this, it is the woman who pays the price
00:06 and clearly Ms Saunders paid a price.
00:09 Her secondment I understand was a materially lower rate of pay.
00:13 What consideration was given to moving Mr Stefanik?
00:17 I wasn't there.
00:19 I'm asking, could you take on notice?
00:22 Yeah, okay.
00:23 You weren't there, I understand that.
00:24 But why was only, is it the case that only consideration was given to Ms Saunders moving?
00:32 What consideration and if no consideration was given to Mr Stefanik moving, why not?
00:38 Because there are two ways in which that relationship could have been sorted and without question
00:44 I haven't heard any word in relation to Ms Saunders' circumstances and she has been voiceless
00:49 in this process entirely in this public discussion, which I think is a real concern.
00:56 So I would like to know what consideration was given to Mr Stefanik moving.
01:00 I'll take that on notice, but it's quite hard for me to understand and look into that, Senator.
01:05 Do you see it as a material issue?
01:09 I really see the issue and I accept that issue.