Stuart Robert quits frontbench
GOLD Coast-based Human Services Minister Stuart Robert has quit the frontbench.
Gold Coast
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GOLD Coast-based Human Services Minister Stuart Robert has quit the frontbench.
Mr Robert has been under investigation over a private trip he took to China with Liberal party donor Paul Marks, during which he met with a Chinese vice-minister.
The Herald-Sun reported on Friday Mr Robert had written to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull asking not to be considered in this weekend’s frontbench reshuffle.
It said an investigation by Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet secretary Martin Parkinson had found Mr Robert’s actions in making the trip to China were “inconsistent” with ministerial standards.
Incoming Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce on Friday said he could not see any wrongdoing.
“What we have here is allegations he met people,” Mr Joyce said. “If meeting people in China is a crime then every politician in this building is gone.” Earlier in the week, Treasurer Scott Morrison said it was a “ridiculous beat-up”.
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