HOME Affairs Minister Wendy Kinnard has denied putting any political pressure on the disciplinary process that led to the sacking of her former research assistant from Family Nursing.

The health charity’s information governance officer Christine Brennan is claiming unfair dismissal from her post, and breach of contract because she was not told when rules for her disciplinary hearing were changed.

Senator Kinnard – who had employed Mrs Brennan as a research assistant before she started working for Family Nursing – was alleged to be one of four politicians who put pressure on the process.

This morning she issued a statement saying she had never exerted political pressure in the matter and that she withdrew entirely when she was told she would not be allowed to represent Mrs Brennan at her disciplinary hearing.

She has been unavailable for comment this morning, but issued a statement which said: ‘I have never exerted pressure on Family Nursing and Home Care.

My contact with Family Nursing over this matter has been at their request throughout.

‘I agreed to accompany Mrs Brennan at her request to the disciplinary hearing and Mrs Brennan notified [Family Nursing director] Karen Huchet of her choice.

When I received a copy letter from Family Nursing that a work colleague only would be appropriate, I immediately withdrew.’