Former SA premier admits to being paid as director while in office

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Former South Australian premier Steven Marshall has admitted to being paid as a non-executive director for a US defence research organisation while still being an active member of parliament.

The Liberal MP declined to answer questions from 9News today and insisted his position with Mitre Corporation was "above board".

Under the Ministerial Code of Conduct, ministers must not take employment for a two-year period with any business organisation they had "official dealings" with in their last 12 months in office.

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Mitre Corporation announced it would be moving into Lot 14 on North Terrace in a state government "sponsoring agreement" in 2021.

Marshall, who was premier and defence and space minister at the time, was quoted as part of the announcement.

The Liberal MP told 9News today the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment had approved his board appointment.

It's understood he applied in October last year and the commissioner has told 9News permission was granted because Marshall said Mitre received no grants or incentives during his time as premier.

The commissioner did however recommend Marshall consider removing himself from any board discussions about matters from his time as premier.

Parliamentary records show Marshall is on three other boards. It is not known whether they are also paid positions.

Marshall did not attend question time today.

The government and opposition have been contacted for comment.