Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for his question. The honourable member would be aware that the former special minister advised me that it had become apparent that police inquiries would not be completed before the parliament returned in February. So I announced on 29 December last year that he and I agreed that he stand aside as a minister pending completion of those inquiries. He has not, of course, been charged with any offence. There was no requirement under the Statement of ministerial standards that he stand aside, but he has done the right thing, recognising the importance of the government maintaining an unwavering focus on jobs, economic growth and national security.