Fed: PM office stands by advuisor in conflict of interest claim

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2000
Fed: PM office stands by advuisor in conflict of interest claim

CANBERRA, Aug 9 AAP - The prime minister's office today stood by a senior staff member
claimed to be involved in a conflict of interest, saying he was straight as a die and
well aware of his obligations.

A spokeswoman for Prime Minister John Howard said Mr Howard's chief of staff, Arthur
Sinodinos was standing down from a voluntary position on the board of a Canberra nursing
home.

The Australian Financial Review reported today Mr Sinodinos would resign from his position
on the board of the St Nicholas Home for the Aged at the end of the month.

Mr Sinodinos denied his position on the board had involved a conflict of interest and
said Mr Howard had been aware of his role.

Mr Howard's spokeswoman said Mr Sinodinos had quit because his term was up.

"There has not been any conflict of interest or a breach of the code of conduct as
far as we are concerned," she told AAP.

"His term is expiring in August. It is a not for profit organisation and he has not
been involved in the day to day running or lobbying. He has tried to help it improve its
standards of accreditation.

"He is a top notch straight as a die kind of guy. He is well aware of where his involvement
would be in any way in conflict and he has clearly kept himself at arms length."

St Nicholas, a non-profit nursing home run by Canberra's Greek community, was recently
criticised by independent auditors for offering unacceptable services in seven of 35 areas,
the newspaper said.

Opposition aged-care spokesman Senator Chris Evans was quoted as saying the position
represented a breach of the staff conduct guidelines laid down by the prime minister.

AAP mb/maur

KEYWORD: ADVISER

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