At Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s press conference announcing the election — somehow we’re already exhausted — there was perhaps only one question that truly piqued our interest: what was the status of former-or-is-that-current Education Minister Alan Tudge?
Tudge supposedly quit the ministry in March when texts surfaced in the Nine papers showing that he had pressured staffer Rachelle Miller — with whom he’d had an allegedly abusive extra-marital relationship — into not disclosing their relationship during a security vetting process. Tudge had “stood aside” from the education portfolio in December last year when the allegations were initially made public.
And yet there was always something a bit vague in his statement that he would not seek a return to cabinet “before the election”. Morrison, seemingly flummoxed by the question, said Tudge was “still a member of my cabinet”. On the ABC this morning, he added that “technically” Tudge never stopped being education minister: “He has his portfolio, we have an acting minister in the education portfolio, he is not being paid as a minister.”
Tudge, far from just “technically” seeing out his term, is apparently welcome back any time — on account of how well he’s done making sure curriculum is not taken “hostage of the far left wing”, an achievement which, given the actual likelihood of any such thing happening, ranks alongside my efforts in preventing Loch Ness Monster attacks.
Morrison was less keen to talk about the settlement the government has had to pay Miller — which was reputedly in excess of half a million dollars.
But the press (and the opposition) clearly have the bit between their teeth on this issue — expect it to rear its head many more times between now and May 21.
An Alan key – for a screw that won’t Tudge.
When Tudge ‘stood aside’, Morrison said, ‘…he is not seeking to return to the front bench, and I support his decision.’
Tudge did not leave the front bench so of course he is not seeking to return to it! The decision Morrison is supporting is Tudge’s decision to remain in post! Gosh, Morrison’s not lying for once. Clever stuff. They played us for fools. What a laugh!
It’s all practice for Scotty FM.
In answering questions about the Tudge situation, Morrison has been referring to him as Mr Tudge, not Alan. Contrast that with Christine, Julia, Grace, Brittany and Connie.
Having an affair with staff is not normally a work requirement for a Minister. However, if it does happen with the consent of both partners that is nothing to do with taxpayers. The is no vicarious liability on taxpayers if the relationship comes to a bad end. If the process gives rise to a demand for damages both the quantum and the question of taxpayer liability has to be assessed by the Attorney-General’s Department.If that was done in this case the incoming Government needs to urgently examine the competence of the staff.
While it is fair enough to say two consenting adults should be left to get on with anything legal they like to do when it hurts nobody else and there is no reason why someone should be paid off just because some personal relationship goes awry, you seem to have missed the other obvious explanation for the payment apparently made to Miller: it could be entirely appropriate compensation for some other damage she has suffered, although the nature of the injury has not been made public.
But that should have been paid by Tudge, not the taxpayer
Assuming Tudge caused whatever it was, that must depend on whether Tudge was responsible in a personal capacity or as a minister.
I’m still unsettled by the fact that a Partner in the firm representing Ms Miller is married to the Deputy Opposition Leader. Did Miller seek out the firm?
How is that unsettling?
Isn’t there some problem with a Minister of the Crown suggesting or urging a staffer to lie during a security vetting process?
To lie for a security vetting is an offense – for a Minister to counsel doing so (i) an offense, (ii) is a breach of parliamentary standards’
That’s now OK since there are none of the latter.
I wouldn’t have an affair with Tudge for any amount of money.