Deputy Premier Kim Hames
Hames resigns as tourism minister | Business News:
Deputy Premier Kim Hames resigned his tourism portfolio today after admitting to wrongly claiming more than $1,000 in accommodation allowances.
Dr Hames was presented with evidence from the state opposition yesterday, which proved he made four errors more than 18 months ago in claiming a total of $1,013 in accommodation allowances. Dr Hames said yesterday he would apologise.
However Premier Colin Barnett announced today that Dr Hames had resigned from the tourism portfolio as a consequence of his actions.
While he will continue as deputy premier and health minster, Dr Hames apologised for making the mistakes which he said were accidental. Mr Barnett said there may be two further claims made by Dr Hames that would be looked into, which would be repaid in full if required. "Kim Hames is an absolutely honest person with very high levels of integrity," Mr Barnett said.
"In no way did Kim set out to take advantage of the accommodation allowance. In no way did he seek to do anything that was inappropriate, however he did make mistakes and they are serious mistakes."
Dr Hames said he was disappointed to stand down as minister for tourism. "I accept there has to be consequences for making mistakes like that. It is disappointing for me, I do really enjoy tourism," he said.
Mr Barnett will act as tourism minister in the interim, a period he estimates may be one to two weeks, until another member of cabinet is appointed.
