Politician fights back against GEON

High profile national marketing manager Caroline Beinke gets the boot from Geon in the lead up to her bid against Peter Garrett.

Reasons for Beinke's immediate dismissal are unclear, with insiders claiming that she left the Geon building last month in tears. Geon's CEO Gordon Towell denied speculation that Beinke's involvement with the Liberal party was behind the decision. He maintains that Geon's growth into a trans-Tasman company meant there was no longer a place for Beinke.

"As a result of that, we need pretty sophisticated PR and marketing," he said. "We needed a completely different structure in the marketing area, so the position that she was in just doesn't exist."

Recently making headlines in the Sun Herald, Beinke told reporters that she was concerned about her dismissal. "I understand that my role as a candidate is important to the media, as is what goes on in my life," she said, "but at this stage I'm in the process of seeking legal advice regarding my retrenchment."

Beinke said earlier that Geon were supportive of her involvement in politics. "GEON is very supportive of my interest - they encourage people to have a life outside of work," she said.

Beinke is currently taking a holiday interstate.