Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett sacked Paula Wriedt after she refused to resign at a meeting with him yesterday.
Paula Wriedt sacked while recovering in hospital
Planned to return to work following treatment
Premier says decision "in her best interests"
A TASMANIAN government minister sacked while recovering from a suicide attempt says she is deeply distressed over the news.
Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett sacked Paula Wriedt today from her tourism and economic development portfolio after she refused to resign at a meeting with him yesterday.
Ms Wriedt, 39, attempted suicide just weeks ago after becoming embroiled in a sex scandal involving her ministerial driver Ben Chaffey.
Mr Bartlett today said he had been forced to make the decision he believed was in her best interests and in the best interests of good government in Tasmania.
But Ms Wriedt responded from hospital today , saying she was "deeply distressed by her abrupt sacking from cabinet".
Depression is a difficult and challenging illness, she said.
"However, with the right medical treatment and management I have been told there is no reason why I couldn`t make a complete recovery and return to work," she said.
"I conveyed this to the Premier in my meeting with him yesterday."
Ms Wriedt said Mr Bartlett had shown a lack of support and understanding.
She said it was unreasonable of him not to allow her two more weeks to make a decision on her parliamentary future as a bad case of the flu had slowed her mental health recovery.
Ms Wriedt said she was told by the Premier that she had a good future as a cabinet minister but not at present.
If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or seek immediate help from a GP or a counsellor.
It's really sad to see the comments so far, as depression is a recognised illness, and whether you are an MP, or a lowly labourer, we must have sympathy and understanding. If we say she is better off getting sacked due to depression, we might as well sack everyone else with the flu. C'mon folks, people as MPs get sick too.
Posted by: Stephen Y 7:22pm today
This story really hits home, having someone close to me going through severe depression at the moment, brought on by work related stress etc.And for the record, Paula wasnt sacked from being a member of parliament? Nor is she being prevented from regaining a future portfolio. This obviously is the right decision for the portfolio and for herself.She maybe in denial thinking that she can continue to work at her best without compromising either her porfolio or her health which would not benefit anyone!
Posted by: Country Realist of NSW 6:27pm today
The door has been left open for return at a later time but tax payers cannot pay hefty ministerial salaries to those who are unable to perform the duties they are elected to perform. the personal problems of this minster prevents her from serving the interests of the voters and unfortunately someone else must be appointed to ensure it is not the tasmanian community who misses out on decisions that this important portfolio requires.
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