Ruston,who is also the Coalition’s campaign spokesperson,is seen as the leading option to become the designated health minister just as the government is being urged to make a series of major policy commitments to healthcare.
But Morrison is repeatedly being challenged over the status of Alan Tudge afterthe education minister stood aside last December but kept his cabinet rank during an inquiry into his relationship with a former adviser,Rachelle Miller.
The government has cleared the way for Tudge to be restored to cabinet after the election on the basis the Department of Finance has offered more than $500,000 to settle a complaint brought by Miller over her treatment while an adviser.
Tudge deniedMiller’s claims that he was emotionally abusive and,on one occasion,physically abusive during their relationship. The claims led him to stand aside as minister in December while the government waited for a review by former senior public servant Vivienne Thom,whose report was issued on March 4 andfound there was insufficient evidence on the matter.
Morrison emphasised on Monday that Tudge had remained a minister throughout the review and could resume the education portfolio,praising him for working on a national curriculum that made sure children were “taught the right things about Australia” in schools.
“Nothing has changed. Mr Tudge elected to stand aside. He’s still a minister. He has not resigned his position and nor has he been dismissed,” Morrison said.