Penny Wong claims Julie Bishop’s new job may breach ministerial standards

Julie Bishop accused of potential ministerial standards breach for joining Palladium board.

Julie Bishop has taken a chair on the board of global consulting group Palladium. Picture; AAP.

Labor senate leader Penny Wong has accused Julie Bishop of potentially breaching ministerial standards for taking a seat at the board of global consulting firm Palladium.

The Palladium board position is Ms Bishop’s first big business appointment since she left parliament at the last election

Senator Wong said Ms Bishop’s role at the company — which works with governments, corporations and NGOs — was similar to recent controversy surrounding former defence minister Christopher Pyne’s new role as a defence consultant.

“Not only doesn’t it pass the pub test but it looks like another breach of the ministerial standards. She has been put on the board of a company that profited on decisions made when she was Foreign Minister,” Senator Wong said.

“Second, she has said she has been appointed in part, for example, for her extensive network of global contacts.

“Now, the ministerial code says very clearly you can’t use information, knowledge, et cetera, that you have attained as a minister that is not available to the general public I think the statement by Palladium Ms Bishop has been appointed because of her unique knowledge.

“The problem is that Mr Morrison really is the person who needs to act here. They are his

standards. It isn’t sufficient for either Christopher Pyne or Ms Bishop to say, ‘I think I am complying’ and that to be the end of the matter. I mean, this is a test of the Prime Minister’s integrity.”

The former Liberal deputy and failed leadership aspirant told the Australian Financial Review today that she would keep in line with the ministerial code.

“I am just pointing that out in the light of recent commentary … I am obviously aware of the obligations of the ministerial guidelines and I am entirely confident that I am and will remain compliant with them.”

Ms Bishop has recently rejected the South Australian governorship and a public advocacy role with the Australian Republican Movement due to her desire to pursue business opportunities.