Fed: PM office stands by advuisor in conflict of interest claim

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2000
Fed: PM office stands by advuisor in conflict of interest claim

The Prime Minister's office has defended a senior staff member against claims of a
conflict of interest, saying he's as straight as a die and well aware of his obligations.

ARTHUR SINODINOS has reportedly stood down from a voluntary position at a nursing home,
accused of beaking the government's code of conduct.

The Australian Financial Review says St Nicholas, a non-profit nursing home run by
Canberra's Greek community, was recently criticised by independent auditors for offering
unacceptable services.

But a spokeswoman for Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says Mr SINODINOS stood down because
his term was up, not because he was forced to.

She says there's been no conflict of interest or breach of the Prime Minister's code of conduct.

The spokeswoman says Mr SINODINOS is a top notch straight-as-a-die kind of guy.

AAP RTV mb/rt

KEYWORD: ADVISER (CANBERRA)

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