A six-figure position was created for Barnaby Joyce’s new partner by a close ally of the Deputy Prime Minister – Resources Minister Matt Canavan.
Vikki Campion, 33, was appointed as a senior adviser in Queensland Senator Canavan’s office to look after his social and digital media in April last year amid concerns about the relationship from within the party, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Prior to her hiring, Mr Canavan did not have anyone working full-time in the job, and the position had remained unfilled since Ms Campion left the role to work for Nationals whip Damian Drum.
A six-figure position was created for Barnaby Joyce’s (right) new partner Vikki Campion (left) by his close ally
Ms Campion was appointed as a senior adviser in Queensland Senator Matt Canavan’s (pictured) office
There is no suggestion Ms Campion did not merit being employed in the position in Mr Canavan’s office.
Party insiders claimed Mr Joyce’s former chief of staff Diana Hallam had a close relationship with the Deputy Prime Minister’s wife Natalie.
They claim she left her role because Mr Joyce, 50, would not address the inappropriateness of the relationship and the effect it was causing within the workplace.
It is understood some senior colleagues close to Mr Joyce were aware in February about his relationship with Ms Campion, a former journalist.
The relationship was acknowledged when Mr Joyce last year confirmed the strain on his 24-year marriage to the mother of his four children, making a frank admission about the separation during the same-sex marriage debate.
The 33-year-old (pictured) was paid to look after Mr Canavan’s social and digital media last year
It is understood some senior colleagues close to Mr Joyce (pictured) were aware in February about the relationship with the former journalist
A spokeswoman for Mr Canavan was unable to offer any statements regarding ’employment matters relating to any staff member’.
Eventually Ms Campion, 33, relocated to the office of chief Nationals whip Damian Drum, where it is understood she stayed until a restructure.
When Mr Drum was promoted, the former media adviser was given a severance package, however the role within Senator Canavan office was never refilled.
A source was reported to have confirmed when Ms Campion moved, she was given a promotion.
Other insiders within Parliament allege Mr Joyce’s personal life began to impact the roles of other staff who spoke about or judged his relationship, leaving them overlooked or dumped from his office.