‘No regrets’, says Christian Porter as ABC case forces shift from Attorney-General

Christian Porter says his defamation proceedings against the ABC require him to be replaced as Attorney-General but he had ‘no alternative’.

Christian Porter will return from leave on Wednesday to prepare for his new tole in the industry and science portfolio. Picture: AFP

Christian Porter says his defamation proceedings against the ABC require him to be replaced as Attorney-General but he has no regrets.

Mr Porter and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds were shifted in a cabinet reshuffle unveiled by Scott Morrison on Monday, following weeks of sexual assault and harassment allegations that have plagued federal parliament.

But the embattled ministers, who are on medical leave, will remain on the frontbench.

Mr Porter will take on industry and science when current minister Karen Andrews moves to the Department of Home Affairs. Senator Reynolds moves to government services and NDIS.

Mr Porter, who has launched a defamation case against the ABC about its reporting of a historic rape allegation against him, is due to return from leave on Wednesday.

In a statement issued after the reshuffle announcement, Mr Porter said he had “no alternative” but to launch the defamation proceedings. He has emphatically denied the allegation he raped a 16-year-old in 1988.

“I have no regrets about taking that course of action,” he said.

“The Federal Court action will allow for the truthfulness of the claims made by the ABC to be tested. I look forward to having these issues determined in a procedurally fair process with actual rules of evidence.”

Mr Morrison received advice from the Solicitor-General that there was a perceived conflict of interest if Mr Porter remained in the Attorney-General role.

Mr Porter said he looked forward to taking on the new tole.

“As Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations I, like all my colleagues, have been focused over the last year on keeping Australians safe through the COVID-19 pandemic and working to minimise the economic impacts of the pandemic,” he said.

“This will be my priority going into my new portfolio, particularly ensuring support to industry to ensure we have a strong, vibrant manufacturing sector which is growing and creating more jobs.

“The opportunities created by Australia’s strong focus on the science and technology sectors will be crucial to making sure that we are building the industries of the future with the long-term sustainable employment these sectors can provide.”