Eleven federal public servants have been sacked for looking at pornography on their work computers.
An internal email was sent to Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff three weeks ago warning of the possible punishment for inappropriate use of the departmental computer network.
Today, a department spokeswoman said 11 staff had been sacked and another 14 had resigned for abusing the department's internet system.
"The investigation is ongoing," the spokeswoman said.
Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran has gone to ground, refusing to comment on the scandal.
When asked if the minister had anything to say, a spokesman said: "No, no, no".
However, department secretary Conall O'Connell is closely watching the investigation.
"He is kept up to date constantly," the spokeswoman said.
The positions and names of the individuals who have quit or were sacked have been kept confidential.
It is understood the staff found themselves in trouble due to emails rather than pornographic websites.
All staff are now banned from storing non-work-related photos and videos on their work computers.
The Department employs about 4500 staff nationwide. The sackings and resignations involve less than half a per cent of the department.
source