Public servant faces sack over fake timesheets and porn allegations

A senior government worker could lose his job for allegedly having porn stored on his work computer and submitting fake timesheets.

Department of Premier and Cabinet senior web developer Antonio Tran asked the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to stay a decision to suspend him without pay while he appealed the decision against him.

In July, Tran had been told the department was considering terminating his employment over what it said were substantiated allegations that he had porn stored on his work computer, used department resources for non-work activities, and filed fake timesheets. He was invited to show cause.

Tran had been suspended with pay since January 23, but on August 10, Acting Deputy Director-General Jaime Blackburn told him he would be suspended without pay until November 9.

Soon after the August 10 decision, Tran lodged an appeal for his pay to be continued, claiming he was struggling financially.

In it, he told the commission he was battling to get permanent accommodation, and had applied for a Centrelink payment, but was waiting for it to be approved.

In their submission, the department said Tran was welcome to look for private sector work.

Industrial Commissioner Jacqueline Power expressed confusion as to why Tran would be struggling financially so soon after his pay had been suspended.

“It is unclear how the decision to suspend him without remuneration could have impacted his previous financial circumstances,” she said in her ruling.

“It is also unclear how the decision impacted his accommodation access over the previous eight months in circumstances where he has been in receipt of remuneration for the duration of his suspension.”

In ruling against Tran continuing to receive pay, Power said there was no proof he would be able to pay the money back should he go on to lose the appeal against the disciplinary decision, especially considering he had told the commission he was struggling financially.

She also said his continued pay would be a continued drain on public funds while he could look for work elsewhere.

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