Taxpayers fucked once again

Former Tasmanian government minister Paula Wriedt had an affair with her chauffeur Ben Chaffey.  When it went bad, he went off work and claimed damages from the Tasmanian government, claiming his employment as a driver became untenable.  His lawyers were angling for damages of up to $150,000, and threatened to pursue a workers compensation or sexual harassment claim in court if a settlement was not reached.  Mr Chaffey claimed to have suffered psychological, psychiatric and mental illness and a depressed and anxious mood as a result of the ordeal.

Ms Wriedt took more drastic action when news of the affair with Mr Chaffey, and the legal claim, became public knowledge in August.  She attempted suicide.

Premier David Bartlett released a deed by which Mr Chaffey agrees not to make any further claim on taxpayers but receives $40,000, as well as $15,000 for legal costs. Mr Chaffey, married with children, will take a $20,000 pay cut to shift to a different job testing government drivers, and Mr Bartlett said the $40,000 essentially covered a reduction in earnings for two years.

Ms Wriedt, who is also suffering depression, remains on sick leave.  She was sacked from the ministry but remains in Parliament.

Mr Bartlett denied the payout was designed to avoid an ongoing scandal.   Right, sure, as if anyone but him actually believes that.

The big question I have about this whole thing is why the taxpayer is picking up the tab for the damages suffered by Mr Chaffey as a result of his and Ms Wriedt’s actions.  Surely his action is against her.  The government should countersue her for any damages paid out to him.

Not only that, but both of them should get fired for fucking around on the job …. no doubt some of their trysts were on the company’s (government’s) time.