Print PageThe Queensland premier is disrespecting taxpayers by refusing to say why he sacked his hand-picked transport boss, a former government MP says.
Alex Douglas defected from Premier Campbell Newman's government last year, saying he was pushed off an ethics committee that was investigating transport chief Michael Caltabiano.
Mr Newman sacked Mr Caltabiano last week - on the same day Ros Bates quit as arts minister - but did not say why.
Dr Douglas, now an independent, says the premier owes taxpayers an answer.
"The premier needs to come out and state what it is that's so serious about the Caltabiano matter," he told AAP on Tuesday.
"The lack of explanation shows contempt for the public, and it shows contempt for the stewardship of public money. It's not the premier's money."
Dr Douglas said Mr Newman must also explain why the termination wasn't effective immediately, given he'll remain suspended on full pay until March 15.
He's pocketed about $10,000 a week since being sidelined in October.
"It's like giving someone a bonus. It's called a golden handshake," he said.
Although Mr Caltabiano has denied any wrong doing, Dr Douglas says matters will be "more severely contested in time".
Mr Douglas says confidentiality obligations prevent him from commenting on what he'd discovered in the ethics committee probe.
But people could draw their own conclusions given the matter was referred to the Crime and Misconduct Commission, he said.
The ethics committee has suspended its investigation until the corruption watchdog finishes its inquiry.
The CMC is investigating the appointment of Ms Bates's son, Ben Gommers, to a well-paid job in Mr Caltabiano's department.
He was stood aside amid claims he misled a budget estimates hearing about his relationship with Mr Gommers.
On Monday, Transport Minister Scott Emerson praised Mr Caltabiano's efforts as a public servant.
"I think Michael has done a lot of good work for the state during that time," he told reporters.
"Obviously ... this has ended in unfortunate circumstances."
Mr Emerson said he stood by his decision to refer Mr Caltabiano to parliament's ethics committee, and by the premier's decision to terminate the bureaucrat's employment.
AAP has sought comment from the premier.
