The State Services Commission says an independent inquiry is underway into allegations that a senior public servant verbally abused and assaulted a staff member.
Katrina Bach was appointed chief executive of the Ministry of Housing in 2002, which was renamed the Department of Building and Housing in 2004.
A spokesperson for the department says Ms Bach is at work on Thursday, but any further comment would prejudice the outcome of the inquiry.
The State Services Commission says the inquiry is being conducted by a barrister, but refused to comment further.
Ms Bach has been a public servant for about 30 years.
