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

The matter of compliance with ministerial standards is one I take very, very seriously. Advice on ministerial standards is given to me by the secretary of my department. Dr Martin Parkinson is currently the secretary—and he is doing an outstanding job. I requested that he provide that advice on 21 February. There were constant claims that the member for New England had been in breach of the statement of ministerial standards, but no particulars were being given. It was appropriate, and I discussed with the member for New England, the deputy Prime Minister at the time, that this work would be undertaken. It was undertaken by the secretary. He has written to me today. I will quote his letter. He said:

In light of Mr Joyce's decision to step down from the ministry, I have concluded that there is little to be gained from continuing this investigation.

The secretary adds:

I note, however, that the audit into the use of travel and travel related expenses by Mr Joyce and Ms Campion by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority is ongoing.

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