The Prime Minister has refused to back media reports that he is seeking to dump Christian Porter and Linda Reynolds from Cabinet and insists that his leadership is safe.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Scott Morrison is backing Mr Porter's defamation case against the ABC, but is considering advice about whether the Attorney General is in breach of the ministerial code of conduct, which deals with perceived conflicts of interest.
He would not explain why multiple media outlets were reporting that he would also dump Senator Reynolds as Defence minister, if not as punishment for the handling of Brittany Higgins' sexual assault allegation in 2019.
"I can't speak to what media reports, all I can say is that when I make decisions on these matters, I'll communicate them and my reason for it," Mr Morrison said on Thursday morning.
This leadership of the government was "absolutely" safe, Mr Morrison insisted, telling ABC's Sabra Lane that the party was united behind him at this time.
"I've been very grateful for the tremendous support I've had from all of my colleagues from my cabinet ministers, all the way through to my party room," he said.
"I've just been overwhelmed by the amount of support that I've received from my colleagues. This week our party has never been more united."
READ MORE:
After five weeks of turmoil for the government since the Higgins allegation came to light, the Prime Minister still has not spoken to the woman at the centre of the matter.
It's "not true" that the allegations were widely known, Mr Morrison said, reiterating that his office had not known until earlier this year, despite employing staff members who worked in Senator Reynold's office at the time and who spoke directly to Ms Higgins about the matter.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram