Stuart Robert transcript from ABC TV interview quietly changed for answer about Alan Tudge

The use of one word by a minister during an ABC interview has caused a controversy after his transcript was quietly changed.

The use of one word by Australia’s acting education minister during an ABC interview has caused a controversy after his transcript was quietly changed.

Stuart Robert appeared on television Thursday morning to promise a re-elected Morrison government would introduce a new test for trainee teachers.

But things took a turn when he was asked why Alan Tudge wasn’t making the announcement, given the prime minister has declared Mr Tudge will be the education minister if the coalition is re-elected.

Mr Robert was also asked how long he’d been doing the role since his colleague was stood aside for having an affair with a staffer.

“Why isn’t the Education Minister Alan Tudge making this announcement today?” ABC host Lisa Millar asked Mr Robert.

“I’m the Acting Education Minister, and have been for almost 12 months, so I’ve got full authority in terms of running the education portfolio, as well as skills and workplace and the other things that I do,” he answered.

However, when the transcript was sent out by the Coalition campaign headquarters afterwards the number 12 was replaced with “have been for a number of months”.

On the public record Mr Robert has only been acting in the role for about six months.

A campaign spokesman said that it was simply a case of Mr Robert making a mistake, rejecting allegations made by Labor of a cover up.

“Minister Robert misspoke and that was corrected in the transcript,” they said.

Labor is adopting a strategy of not sending out any transcripts for ministers, keeping the focus on Anthony Albanese.

The number 12 was quietly removed from Stuart Robert’s transcript of an ABC TV interview, with Labor saying it appeared to be a cover up. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Tudge stood aside in December last year as an investigation was carried out into his affair with his media adviser Rachelle Miller.

The outcome of that probe was released in March and found there was insufficient evidence to support Ms Miller’s allegations that she was bullied, emotionally abused and even once kicked.

This was because former staffer chose not to participate in the inquiry limiting information available.

Alan Tudge was stood aside as an investigation was carried out into his affair with former media adviser Rachelle Miller. Picture: ABC/Four Corners

Once it was made public that Mr Tudge was not found to have breached ministerial standards, he announced he did not wish to return to the frontbench before the election.

“Given the impact of the allegations on my family and myself, I have requested not to be returned to the front bench before the election. In the meantime, I will focus on my health, my kids and my electorate,” he said.

Ms Millar questioned Mr Robert on where Mr Tudge was at the moment.

“I suggest in his electorate. I don’t know where he is. I tend not to keep track of my colleagues whereabouts,” he said.

He said he wasn’t “across the issues” when he was questioned about the reasons Mr Tudge’s former staffer and lover was given a $500,000 payment from the government.

“I can’t give you any degree of answer. Those issues are dealt with by the department of finance very much at arm’s length from anyone, certainly arm’s length for me.”