Rob Stefanic finishes up as head of parliamentary services after scrutiny over retirement of deputy

Secretary of department took leave in October after being questioned about whether he played a role in the retirement of Cate Saunders, which he denies

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Rob Stefanic’s appointment as head of Australia’s parliamentary services department has ended after he announced a period of sudden leave in October.

Guardian Australia understands staff at the Department of Parliamentary Services were informed on Wednesday morning the long-serving secretary would not be returning to the role he’s held since December 2015.

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