Scott Morrison won’t reveal details of $500K Tudge affair payout

Scott Morrison has refused to reveal details of a taxpayer-funded payout to Alan Tudge’s former staffer, despite her freeing the government from the confidentiality clause.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has refused to reveal details of a taxpayer-funded payout to Alan Tudge’s former staffer, despite her freeing the government from the confidentiality clause.

Rachelle Miller, who had an extramarital affair with Mr Tudge while she worked for him, has reportedly been paid more than $500,000 after she alleged he had emotionally and, on one occasion, physically abused her.

Mr Tudge strenuously denies the allegations.

On Friday, Ms Miller accused the government of leaking information about the settlement, and freed the government from its strict confidentiality clauses.

But, when Mr Morrison was asked to provide details to the Australian taxpayers on Sunday, he refused to be drawn, saying hte matters were “confidential”, despite Ms Miller having released the payout from confidentiality.

He was asked why he did not recognise the “public interest” of taxpayers knowing where and how their money was being spent.

“My simple point is this process is confidential and has been put in place by the Department of Finance,” Mr Morrison said

“I think that is the way these matters should be handled and I intend to honour the process that has been established independently by public officials about how sensitive matters of this nature should be handled and so I intend to stick to the process.”

Earlier in the week, Morrison has backed Mr Tudge to make a “strong return as a cabinet minister”, even as his ex-lover and former staffer is set to receive a taxpayer funded payout of more than $500,000 over bullying allegations.

Mr Morrison on Monday morning clarified Mr Tudge was still part of the federal government’s cabinet, though he “stood aside” amid allegations he bullied Ms Miller while they had an affair.

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge during a press conference in Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Gary Ramage

Mr Morrison said he “cannot confirm” reports of a $500,000-plus payout to Ms Miller to settle the dispute with Mr Tudge, as revealed by news.com.au.

“That’s a private matter between Ms Miller and the Department of Finance, so that is not something that, as Prime Minister, I have visibility over,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison said an independent investigation found there was nothing to prevent Mr Tudge continuing as Education Minister.

“We looked at that thoroughly and he has decided to stand aside for health and family reasons,” Mr Morrison said.

“He is technically a member of the cabinet as he has not resigned and he has not been stood down.

“He has been doing a great job in the education portfolio … and I think he would make a strong return as a cabinet minister.”

News.com.au reports Ms Miller is set to secure a taxpayer-funding payout of more than $500,00 in compensation for her treatment as Mr Tudge’s staffer.

It is also reported the government will pay Ms Miller’s legal fees, which is expected to be six figures.

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Originally published as Scott Morrison won’t reveal details of $500K Tudge affair payout