Nats, staffers deny telling Vikki Campion to get rid of Barnaby’s baby
NATIONALS MP and senior government staff have lashed out at claims by Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion that they were pressured to abort their baby.
NSW
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NATIONALS MP and senior government staff have lashed out at claims by Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion that they were pressured to abort their baby.
Tonight’s tell-all Channel 7 interview is expected to include claims by Ms Campion that some members of the Coalition “tried to stop the baby being born”.
The allegation has sparked intense rumours in Canberra this week about who might have suggested Ms Campion terminate her pregnancy.
One National Party MP, two senior Coalition staffers and a National Party official have all been rumoured to be the one who advised the couple to end their pregnancy.
The Sunday Telegraph approached all four for comment.
Three of the four accused denied the claim and the last would not return calls.
“I certainly didn’t do it and I can’t think of anyone that would have had the guts to,” one of the accused said.
“They were trying to spin it and claim it wasn’t his for most of the pregnancy anyway. There were plenty on people who probably thought it privately.”
Another Nationals MP said he didn’t believe any of his colleagues would have offered that advice.
“It seems a very weird thing to say to a female staffer,” he said.
“The only thing I can imagine is if someone asked Barnaby whether they had considered that option, but it would not have been a threat or demand.”
BARNABY JOYCE’S YEAR FROM HELL
Meanwhile, the Australian Taxation Office might be after a chunk of the $150,000 cheque for tonight’s tell-all.
Mr Joyce has claimed the cash will be placed in a trust fund for baby Sebastian. But tax experts say the money is being paid for services, making it assessable income.