The Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has stepped down from her ministerial duties while a Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) inquiry examines her involvement in the appointment of a Brisbane principle.
The state Opposition referred Ms Trad to the CCC in December last year, claiming a whistleblower had informed it of Ms Trad interference in the appointment of a principle at a new school in her South Brisbane electorate.
Opposition education shadow minister Jarrod Bleijie made several written complaints to the commission over the allegations, which claimed Ms Trad interfered in a decision on a candidate for the role made by an independent selection panel after new modelling showed the school would be bigger than expected.
The position was re-advertised and the department once again arranged for Ms Trad to meet a candidate before they were then hired.
Mr Bleijie described the process and eventual appointment of the second candidate as inappropriate.
Ms Trad, who is also the Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"I will co-operate fully with this investigation. It will provide me with the opportunity to set the record straight," Ms Trad said on Saturday.
"Let me be clear, no applicant to the principal position was known to me in any capacity - personal, political or professional.
"Further I have never expressed a view to anyone on who should fill that role."
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was informed of Ms Trad's decision to stand aside on Friday night.
"I accept that her decision is the correct course of action. I will be assuming her ministerial duties until further notice," the premier said.
Ms Trad refused to take questions but said she would still contest her seat of South Brisbane in the October state election.
Queensland Opposition leader Deb Frecklington joined Mr Bleijie on Saturday in calling for Ms Trad to resign permanently.
"Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to permanently sack Jackie Trad from the Cabinet," she said.
"Queensland deserves more than a temporary Treasurer especially during the coronavirus crisis."
