Queensland's premier has told two senior public servants to sort out their issues and get back to work after accusations one used a sexist slur against the other four years ago.
Integrity Commission boss Nikola Stepanov became upset when she told a parliamentary committee on Monday that Public Service Commission CEO Robert Setter allegedly said she was a "bitch on a witch-hunt" during a 2018 phone call.
Mr Setter denies the claim, saying he's "appalled and saddened" by the accusation.
An irate Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the pair needs some perspective about their spat.
"These are two very senior public servants and they should get back to work and sort their issues out," she told reporters.
"There are people out there who have been flooded, who have lost their homes, lost their livelihoods.
"The last thing they want to see is two senior public servants having a brawl - get back to work and get on with it."
The drama began when Dr Stepanov was asked by a parliamentary committee if she could confirm recent reports about the slur.
"I do confirm that I have had comments of that nature, including said to me," she said.
"I support a modern public service where women and men, particularly those emerging as leaders, are not subjected to those kinds of gender-based slurs."
Dr Stepanov identified Mr Setter as making the remark to her in a phone call in early April 2018.
Mr Setter later held a rare press conference, but didn't field questions.
"I am appalled and saddened at what the Integrity Commissioner under parliamentary privilege claimed I said to her in 2018," he said.
"I am appalled because it is not behaviour that I consider appropriate, ever.
"I deny absolutely making any misogynistic comments to or about the Integrity Commissioner at any time."
Ms Palaszczuk said she wasn't aware of the slur but told the pair to sort it out, even if they "sit in a room and have a full and frank discussion".
"I don't think anyone should be called names. Everyone should be respectful to one another," she said.
"But I am not going to get into this argy-bargy. I am not getting into a 'he said, she said'."
The premier said she fully supported both bureaucrats.
However, Ms Palaszczuk said Dr Stepanov would be finishing up in July, despite the integrity boss claiming on Monday she wanted to remain until the end of 2022.
Dr Stepanov gave notice in January that she would depart halfway through her second term in July.
But she told the parliamentary committee she had written to the premier saying she should stay until December due to a state corruption watchdog investigation.
The Crime and Corruption Commission is investigating multiple complaints made by the integrity boss including an allegation the PSC seized a laptop from her office and wiped it in March 2021.
Asked about Dr Stepanov staying on, the premier said: "Dr Stepanov tendered her resignation (in January).
"We sought legal advice and the advice was that it was an effective resignation."
