‘Malicious’: MP Michael Sukkar rejects allegations by Nine Newspapers over branch stacking knowledge

Documents filed in the Federal Court allege Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar misused taxpayer funds.

Senior federal government ministers have leapt to the defence of Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar over allegations he misused taxpayer funds.

Documents filed in the Federal Court allege Mr Sukkar was involved in placing factional operatives inside taxpayer-funded electorate office jobs to do Liberal Party work.

Staff were allegedly placed in the office of Victorian MP Kevin Andrews.

Under parliamentary rules, electorate office staff cannot work on party political matters.

Mr Sukkar has denied any wrongdoing.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg defended his colleague.

“There was an independent investigation into both Mr Andrews’ office, and Mr Sukkar’s offices, and the (department of) finance investigation found that there was no serious misuse of taxpayer’s resources,” he said.

“If there is any new information, no doubt that will be referred again to the finance department.”

Mr Sukkar said he completely rejected the branch-stacking allegations, which were aired by 60 Minutes and The Age.

The outlets alleged Mr Sukkar had “intimate knowledge” of a long-running scheme in which his close friend, brother, and factional supporters were paid by taxpayers for political work.

Nine Newspapers, who obtained a number of documents as part of their investigation, allege Mr Sukkar was knowingly partaking in branch stacking.

It is alleged the scheme began in mid-2017.

Mr Sukkar released a public statement on Sunday night, saying he completely rejected the “extremely disappointing” allegations aired on 60 Minutes.

Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar says allegations aired by 60 Minutes and The Age were ‘false and malicious’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

He said the claims were “unproven” and came from a “discredited and disgruntled” former staff member.

“(These) accusations have already been shown to be false and malicious,” he said.

“Every allegation mentioned in the report was covered by the independent review undertaken by the Department of Finance last year when these allegations were first made.”

The review, which heard from multiple former and current staff members, had not found any breach or improper conduct.

“I have never authorised my staff to undertake activities contrary to applicable policies and guidelines, when they are being paid to serve the constituents of the Deakin electorate,” Mr Sukkar said.

Mr Sukkar was cleared of wrongdoing last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“I am proud of the dedication and service that my office has always provided my constituents and community.”

When Prime Minister Scott Morrison was asked about the allegations on Monday, he said the matters had been “dealt with a year ago”.

When asked what his response was, he said “I answered that question a second ago”.

Mr Sukkar also apologised to Liberal senator Jane Hume after disparaging comments were made public.

In text messages sent by Mr Sukkar, he savaged Senator Hume over a Facebook post about juggling politics and parenthood.

Mr Sukkar told factional allies he had read through the “very long, indulgent and quite frankly bizarre post”.

“Was waiting for her retirement from politics, but sadly it wasn’t there,” the texts read.

Mr Sukkar has apologised to Senator Hume.

“(These messages) were unfair and incorrect comments that I should not have made, and I regret doing so,” he said.

“I have worked closely with Senator Hume in the last three years since both becoming ministers in the Treasury portfolio, where she has done an outstanding job.”