- Malcolm Turnbull says Barnaby Joyce was right to quit as Deputy Prime Minister
- Mr Joyce resigned on Friday as scandals surrounding his personal life deepened
- His former staffer is carrying his baby & he has denied a sexual harassment claim
Malcolm Turnbull has broken his silence on Barnaby Joyce’s resignation and said that the Deputy Prime Minister was right to quit.
Mr Joyce sensationally quit as Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the National party on Friday afternoon in response to the scandal that has engulfed him and his former staffer Vikki Campion, who is pregnant with his child.
He has also denied a complaint that he sexually harassed a Western Australian woman.
Speaking in Washington DC ahead of meeting President Donald Trump, Mr Turnbull said his deputy was right to resign.
Malcolm Turnbull has broken his silence on Barnaby Joyce’s resignation and said that the Deputy Prime Minister was right to quit
Mr Joyce sensationally quit as Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the National party on Friday afternoon in response to the scandal that has engulfed him and his former staffer Vikki Campion, who is pregnant with his child
‘Barnaby made his own decision to take leave to reflect on the circumstance and deal with personal matters,’ the Prime Minister said.
‘He’s made his decision to resign and I have a letter from him to that effect. I thank him for his service as a minister and look forward to working with his successor.’
Mr Turnbull continued: ‘This is really a very personal matter for Barnaby. He has to deal with some personal issues.
‘He’s got to deal with a complaint that’s been made about him. He believes he cannot do that from the despatch box.
‘I think he’s taken the right decision. The judgement that he has made in resigning I think is the right one for himself and his family.’
The Prime Minister also attempted to repair cracks in the relationship between the Liberals and the Nationals.
‘There are no issues between the National party and the Liberal party in relation to this at all,’ he said. ‘The issues have related to Barnaby and his issues relating to his conduct.’
‘The Coalition between the Nationals and the Liberal party is very strong and has been for 95 years.’