Deputy West Australian PM resigns as tourism minister

Deputy West Australian Premier Kim Hames has resigned as the state's tourism minister after incorrectly claiming country accommodation allowances, local media reported on Monday. Hames admitted he had wrongly claimed more than 1,000 AU dollars (about 9,217 U.S. dollars) for accommodation expenses. Following his resignation, Hames told reporter on Monday that it was a difficult day for him. "It is a difficult day. I do enjoy tourism. it's a great portfolio and I enjoy working with people," he said. West Australian Premier Colin Barnett said he had accepted Hames' explanation about the innocent mistake, but said that Hames would have to face the consequences. "When you hold public office, the standards are high. They were innocent mistakes, but not excusable mistakes," Barnett said. Barnett will take over the tourism portfolio temporarily until a replacement is found.