The NSW Minister for Small Business and Fair Trading, Eleni Petinos, has been sacked after allegations she bullied workers in her office emerged last week.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced he was dumping the Miranda MP from state cabinet “with immediate effect.”
The Premier said he made the decision “after some further matters concerning her were brought to my attention.”
On Friday, it was revealed a former adviser to Ms Petinos had sent an anonymous complaint to the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet claiming they had been “relentlessly bullied” in their short tenure in her office.
Ms Petinos is alleged to have used several slurs towards the staffer and threatened she would “kill” them for making a small mistake.
At the time, Ms Petinos strenuously denied “any allegations of bullying or improper conduct.”
Following the announcement of her sacking on Sunday night, Ms Petinos said: “I would never intentionally offend anyone or make them feel uncomfortable, and if I did I am truly sorry.”
“I am proud of my work while I served the people of NSW as Minister for Small Business and Minister for Fair Trading. I fought hard for small businesses who are the lifeblood of NSW and I will continue to advocate for them regardless of my role,” Ms Petinos added.
“The intense pressures and stresses of such important portfolios are significant for both staff and their Minister. I thank my staff for their efforts in supporting me to deliver for the people of NSW.”
Ms Petinos said she will continue to “pursue politics to make a positive difference… as the Member for Miranda.”
Ms Petinos was elevated to the ministry in December last year, as one of three new Liberal women promoted to cabinet. The Premier has now lost one of the seven Coalition women in his 26-person cabinet.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Victor Dominello, will assume Ms Petinos’ portfolio responsibilities.
