Erica Stanford has been misusing her personal email address to manage sensitive information relating to Budget and visa changes prior to their public release.

“Documents show the Education Minister has sent sensitive government information to an unprotected email address,” Labour’s education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

“We’re talking about serious government decisions that affect peoples’ lives and have millions of taxpayer dollars attached to them. Ministers have a responsibility to keep this information safe.

“Going off the grid with sensitive information is hanging a welcome sign to threats to our national security.

“In 2023 the Cabinet Manual was updated, and now specifically states ‘As far as possible, Ministers should not use their personal email account or phone number to conduct ministerial business.’ This goes far beyond that.

“We have rules for a reason and Erica Stanford isn’t above them. She needs to be upfront about what she is using her personal email for and how much sensitive information has been shared,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

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