Stood-aside education minister Alan Tudge is expected to be axed from his role, Network Ten political editor Peter van Onselen has reported.
The report – which aired on Tuesday on the 5pm news – said that Mr Tudge “didn’t even know it yet”.
But a spokeman for the Prime Minister has denied this is the case, issuing a statement saying no decision had been made.
“The matter is still in process and is being undertaken without prejudice to ensure it is dealt with fairly,” the statement said.
It comes after the Prime Minister ordered an inquiry into Mr Tudge’s relationship with his former staffer Rachelle Miller.
Mr Tudge stood aside as minister last year while the inquiry, conducted by respected investigator Dr Vivienne Thom, was carried out to examine allegations of emotional and physical abuse made by Ms Miller.
Both Mr Tudge and Ms Miller have admitted to an extramarital affair in 2017 but Mr Tudge has strongly denied any mistreatment.
Ms Miller declined to take part in the investigation, saying it was not truly independent.
Mr van Onselen reported that the inquiry’s report did not support allegations of emotional or physical abuse.
But he reported that it did include an adverse comment against Mr Tudge for seeking to promote Ms Miller from media adviser to senior adviser while they were in an undisclosed relationship.
This is what is expected to be used to justify Mr Tudge’s dismissal – on the grounds of breaching the ministerial code of conduct, Mr van Onselen reported.
A spokesman from the Prime Minister’s office said that the report would be made public.
“In relation to the release of the report I direct you to the evidence given by PM&C Deputy Secretary Stephanie Foster on Monday in Estimates where she said it was her intention to release the report,” a statement said.
“xjmtzywThe Prime Minister supports her view and approach.”
This latest report comes after a series of damaging leaks to the Network Ten political editor.
At the National Press Club, Mr van Onselen revealed text messages between Gladys Berejiklian and an unnamed cabinet minister, who allegedly called the Prime Minister a “complete psycho”.
