Peter Carne,pictured in 2014 while speaking at former premier Wayne Goss's memorial service.Credit:Michelle Smith
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath would not say why Mr Carne had been suspended.
"The Governor in Council has today approved a recommendation by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath to immediately suspend the Public Trustee Peter Carne,pending a show cause notice,as a consequence of serious allegations which could amount to misbehaviour under Section 9 of the Public Trustee Act 1978,"her spokesman wrote in a statement.
"The public can be assured that the Office of the Public Trustee’s core obligations will continue to be met.
"The Governor in Council today has approved Samay Zhouand as Acting Public Trustee,to take effect immediately.
"There will be no further comment to ensure proper process is followed."
Shadow Attorney-General David Janetzki said the government needed to provide more details around the suspension.