Federal politician Alan Tudge has retained his title of education Minister despite being stood aside from the position.
Mr Tudge was asked by the Prime Minister to stand aside from the role last year, pending an investigation into allegations of an abusive extramarital relationship.
A senates estimates hearing revealed on Friday Mr Tudge remains education Minister and is officially, “on leave”.
Mr Tudge had previously said he would not return to the position before the upcoming election.
Government Services Minister Linda Reynolds told the Senate hearing Mr Tudge was still education Minister, but could not confirm whether he was still receiving ministerial pay.
A government spokesperson later confirmed he had not retained a ministerial salary.
Tudge stood aside on 2 December amid allegations he was involved in an abusive relationship with former media adviser Rachelle Miller.
Since then, acting Minister, Stuart Robert, has performed the functions of the role.
On 4 March an investigation into the claims found insufficient evidence to sustain their validity.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he accepted the findings, as well as Mr Tudge’s decision not to return to the front bench.
“Today he informed me that in the interests of his family and his own well-being and in order to focus on his re-election as the Member for Aston, he is not seeking to return to the frontbench, and I support his decision,” Mr Morrison said at the time.
Mr Tudge was accused by Ms Miller of being emotionally and physically abusive towards her during a consensual relationship they had in 2017.
He has strenuously denied the allegations.
In response to the news Mr Tudge remained education Minister, at least on paper, Ms Miller tweeted: “that’s what we’ve all come to expect from this government; say one thing publicly, do another in secret”.
Reports this week suggested Ms Miller was in negotiations for a six-figure payout from the federal government.
Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek also attacked the government over the revelation.
“Scott Morrison doesn’t want working Australians to get a wage rise, but it looks like he’s happy to pay his mates a fortunexjmtzyw for doing nothing,” she said.
