Buswell leave 'health related'
Treasurer Troy Buswell's sudden decision to take personal leave was "health related", Premier Colin Barnett revealed this morning.
Mr Barnett said Mr Buswell would be on personal leave for the next two weeks.
"Mr Buswell has requested privacy during this period," the Premier said. "As Premier, I ask that his request for privacy be respected."
Mr Barnett stepped into the role of Treasurer yesterday in the lead-up to a Budget. It is the second time in four years he has had to cover for Troy Buswell.
The Premier yesterday insisted there would be no disruption to the Budget despite assuming Mr Buswell's Treasury and Transport portfolios until at least March 14.
Mr Buswell's chief-of-staff Rachael Turnseck is also understood to be on leave, meaning the Government has an acting Treasurer, acting Under-Treasurer and acting head of the Treasurer's office in the middle of Budget season.
Long-serving under-treasurer Tim Marney stepped down last month and his deputy, Michael Barnes, has taken over as the Government attempts to get the State's finances back on track in a key Budget.
Traditionally, the Budget is handed down in May, with early April the cut-off point for all Government decisions affecting the financial blueprint.
The Liberal Party room was told last Tuesday that Mr Buswell was away but would return to Parliament the next day.
That did not happen.
This morning Mr Barnett said he had assumed responsibility for the Treasury and Transport portfolios.
"This temporary arrangement was put in place last Friday, though in practical terms it applies from today," he said. "Finance Minister, Dr Mike Nahan, will assist me in the ongoing budget process. All Ministers have the responsibility of finalising their departmental budgets over the coming weeks."
Troy Buswell competes in Busselton last month. Picture: Becky Felstead
