Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate resigns 'with immediate effect' - ABC News

Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate has handed in her resignation.

Key points:

• The purchase of the watches, initially said to be worth $12,000, was revealed in Senate Estimates last month
• Christine Holgate said the investigation was impacting her health and the ability of Australia Post to do its job
• Ms Holgate sad she regretted the purchase of the watches had caused "so much debate and distraction"

Ms Holgate announced on Monday afternoon that she had offered her resignation "with immediate effect".

"I am not seeking any financial compensation," she said.

Her resignation comes after Communications Minister Paul Fletcher and Prime Minister Scott Morrison demanded an investigation into the purchase of four Cartier watches worth $20,000 as gifts to senior executives in 2018.

The purchase of the watches was revealed in Senate Estimates last month.

Mr Morrison told Parliament he was "appalled" and that the gifts were "disgraceful and not on".

The watches were initially said to be worth $12,000 and were a "thank you" to the executive who worked to secure a lucrative deal with three of the major banks.

Ms Holgate was asked by Australia Post chairman Lucio Di Bartolomeo to stand aside on October 22, at the recommendation of Mr Fletcher.

Last week, her lawyer Bryan Belling said his client did not believe there were legal grounds for her to be stood down.

In her announcement, Ms Holgate said the investigation was impacting her health and the ability of Australia Post to do its job.

"The current issue I am managing is a significant distraction and I do not believe it is good for either Australia Post or my own personal wellbeing," she said.

"Consequently, I have made the difficult decision to resign, hoping it will allow the organisation to fully focus on serving our customers."

Managing director Rodney Boys has filled the role of acting chief executive in the interim.

Federal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher issued a joint statement thanking Ms Holgate for her service.

The statement said Ms Holgate had confirmed she was available to "assist the investigation into Australia Post's governance arrangements and corporate culture concerning the proper use and management of public resources".

No regret over purchase of luxury watches

Ms Holgate said she did not regret the purchase of the watches and believed in order to "drive positive change, you need to thank and reward positive behaviours".

She said she only regretted the decision "to recognise the outstanding work of four employees has caused so much debate and distraction".

"I appreciate the optics of the gifts involved do not pass the 'pub test' for many," she said.

"I will make myself readily available to participate in the investigation of this matter and any other issues of possible concern.

"I have no animosity towards the Government and have enjoyed working with the Prime Minister, the Shareholder Ministers and many other political leaders during my tenure.

"My sincere apologies if my words or actions have offended others as this would never have been my intention because I have always held Australia Post in the greatest regard."

Mr Bartolomeo released a statement confirming Ms Holgate's resignation had been accepted.

He said Ms Holgate had held the role of chief executive and managing director since October 2017.

"While noting the current review, I would like to acknowledge and recognise the significant contributions she has made during her tenure," Mr Bartolomeo said.

"This has been one of the toughest years in Australia Post's history and the Board acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made across the organisation to meet the challenges of COVID-19."

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC News it was hypocritical of the Prime Minister to criticise Ms Holgate when Mr Morrison's ministers had been caught in their own financial scandals such as the sports rorts saga.

"What we ask from the Prime Minister is that he apply the same standards to his own ministers that he has applied to Ms Holgate on this occasion," Mr Chalmers said.

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2020-11-02 03:37:00Z
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