House debates
Tuesday, 13 February 2018
Questions without Notice
Deputy Prime Minister
2:44 pm
Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source
The honourable member has not made any case to support the proposition that the staff movements he's referring to were in breach of the ministerial code. The question of whether the staff member concerned was a partner is a question of fact, as I said in response to the member for Isaacs. The Deputy Prime Minister has set out the facts. Members can form their own conclusion about that, but I've provided the description of 'partner'. It is essentially a cohabitation, a marriage-like relationship, hence the term 'marriage or de facto'. I think the circumstances are clear, but the honourable member has not been able to establish a breach of the ministerial standards or allege one. If he wishes to do so, he obviously, has the opportunity here.
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