1:30min
Sussan Ley
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By Ashleigh McMillan
Journalist
Sussan Ley resigned today as the Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport, amid speculation on taxpayer-funded travel claims.
In a statement, Ms Ley said the media speculation around the travel entitlements enquiry carried out by the secretary of Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had made it an ‘incredibly difficult week’.
‘This morning I submitted the final part of my report into Dr Parkinson’s inquiry into my travel and its compliance with ministerial standards. Similarly, I and my office are complying with the Department of Finance’s review into the travel rules,’ Ms Ley said.
‘Whilst I have attempted at all times to be meticulous with rules and standards, I accept community annoyance, even anger, with politicians’ entitlements demands a response and I wholeheartedly support the reforms announced by the Special Minister of State earlier this week,’ she said.
At a press conference this afternoon, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he would announce Ms Ley’s replacement next week. Ms Ley had been health minister since December 2014, when she was appointed by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Senator Arthur Sinodinos was appointed Acting Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Minister for Sport on 9 January when Ms Ley stepped aside without ministerial pay.