Labor MP Penny Wong says Christopher Pyne’s new job is a ‘clear’ breach of ministerial standards

Labor Senator Penny Wong has called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to intervene over Christopher Pyne’s new job, which she says breaches ministerial standards.

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Former defence minister Christopher Pyne’s new role as a defence consultant for professional services firm EY, has been labelled a clear breach of ministerial standards by senior Labor figure Penny Wong.

Drawing on a provision of the ministerial code of conduct – that requires cabinet members to wait 18 months before taking roles that could bring them in contact with government and matters they dealt with in their former roles – Senator Wong this morning called on Prime Minster Scott Morrison to step in.

Senator Wong said Mr Pyne’s appointment was a clear breach of ministerial standards.

“The question for (Prime Minister) Scott Morrison will you exercise any leadership or not?” Senator Wong told reporters this morning.

She said it appeared that Mr Pyne had not made an attempt to dispute that his role - reported as a defence consultant - was a breach.

“Australians are entitled to expect the government to ensure its ministerial standards are adhered to,” she said.

Ministers should not be engaging in a role whereby he or she is advising, using the knowledge obtained in their role.”

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“Mr Pyne taking the job in the way that he has is clearly going to be using the inside knowledge he has obtained as a Minister.”

Both Mr Morrison and Mr Pyne have been contacted for comment.

Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick has suggested EY should not be the recipient of any government contracts until the issue is dealt with.

Mr Pyne’s hire comes as EY builds its defence expertise, ahead of the Federal Government spending $200 billion on its military leading up to 2026.

“Right now the Australian government is engaged in the largest expansion of our military capability in our peacetime history … an ambition to build Australian science, technology, engineering, innovation and industrial capability,” EY defence industry leader Mark Stewart said.

“Christopher Pyne is also here to help lead conversations about what all states need to do to meet the challenges and opportunities this defence investment will bring.”

The University of South Australia confirmed earlier this month that Mr Pyne will be taking up a teaching role in their business school as an “industry professor”.

Originally published as Labor MP Penny Wong says Christopher Pyne’s new job is a ‘clear’ breach of ministerial standards