Jimmy Maladina steps aside as Petroleum Minister

The Minister for Petroleum and Caretaker Minister for Energy, Jimmy Maladina, has
advised the Prime Minister that he will step aside from his office while a complaint filed
against him is heard in an Australian Court.

“As has been reported in news and social media, by police in Sydney after an altercation
involving myself and another person over the weekend,” Minister Maladina said.

“This matter is before the court's so there is not a lot that can be said publicly right now.

“I will make the general point that violence perpetrated by either a man, or violence by a
woman, cannot be tolerated,”.

“While this matter is heard I have advised the Prime Minister that I will step aside from my
ministerial position awaiting the outcome of the court.

“The Prime Minister has agreed to this course of action and we both agree that perceptions
and respect for process are crucial for good governance.

“I have faith in the Australian judiciary to hear this matter in an independent and objective
manner.

“I further thank the New South Wales Police officers who attended to this matter for the
professional way in which they conducted their duties, and they have a process to follow in
these matters.

“We will all have our day in court, and I look forward to the facts of the matter being
presented.”