Alan Tudge allegedly sought promotion for his adviser lover

Stood-down education minister Alan Tudge allegedly sought to promote his former adviser with whom he was having an undisclosed affair.

Alan Tudge and Rachelle Miller in Canberra in 2017. Picture: ABC

Stood-down education minister Alan Tudge allegedly sought to promote his former adviser with whom he was having an undisclosed affair, in a decision that may force Scott Morrison to drop him from cabinet ahead of the election.

The Prime Minister’s office denied on Tuesday evening that any decision had been made on whether Mr Tudge would return as education minister after he was stood down late last year following claims from his former staffer, Rach­elle Miller, that he physically and emotionally abused her.

Mr Tudge has denied the ­allegations.

“The matter is still in process and is being undertaken without prejudice to ensure it is dealt with fairly,” a spokesman for the Prime Minister said.

Mr Morrison launched an investigation into the matter, conducted by former inspector-general of intelligence and security Vivienne Thom, which Ms Miller refused to participate in because she said it was a “rushed” process and a quick “political fix”.

Prime Minister and Cabinet deputy secretary Stephanie Foster confirmed in Senate estimates on Monday that the report had been handed to the Prime Minister’s office, with Dr Thom’s inquiry costing the taxpayer about $40,000.

Ms Foster and Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said Mr Tudge had not been briefed on the outcome of the report, despite announcing at the weekend he would recontest the next election.

Ten News reported on Tuesday that while Dr Thom’s report did not support Ms Miller’s alle­gations, Mr Tudge may still be stood aside because he sought to promote her.

A statement by Mr Tudge in December appears to confirm the breach. “My chief of staff and I sought to get her promoted to the level she requested,” he said.

“It was ultimately unsuccessful but when she moved to Michaelia Cash’s office in late 2017, she was promoted to the senior level.”

Senator Birmingham refused to comment on the matter in Senate estimates on Tuesday.

Under fire from Labor senator Katy Gallagher, who said any leaking of the report’s findings was due to the “dysfunction” of the government, Senator Birmingham said there had been no changes to the timing of the report’s release and it would follow proper processes.

“I am not going to go into my conversations with the Prime Minister. I refer you to my earlier answers in which I said I am not aware of any intended changes (to the timing of the report’s release),” Senator Birmingham said.

“You can spend your time running political hypotheses or commentary, I’ve clarified the facts in terms of the status of the review and the status in relation to the ministry.

“Ultimately, these matters will be finalised as quickly as possible.”