The Prime Minister wants the education minister to get back to work after stepping aside amid an abuse allegation. 

Federal education minister Alan Tudge stood aside at the end of 2021 after an investigation was launched into claims from a former staffer that he was emotionally, and on one occasion physically, abusive.

Mr Tudge has announced that he does not intend to return to cabinet before the upcoming federal election, and the Prime Minister says he can return to the education portfolio whenever he is ready. 

While the investigation launched by the PM did not find that Mr Tudge breached ministerial standards, he said he would not return to the front bench.

Mr Morrison says Mr Tudge’s spot is still there.

“He is a member technically of our cabinet now,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“Alan stood aside, and he stood aside for his own health and family reasons and when he's ready to return to cabinet, he will.

“He has his portfolio, we have an acting minister in the education portfolio, he is not being paid as a minister.

“I look forward to him returning because what he's been doing in education has been very important.”

Mr Tudge’s former staffer has reportedly reached a settlement worth over $500,000 with the government.

Mr Morrison has refused to comment on the payment. 

“I can’t make any comment on that because I don’t have any visibility on it. Those are private matters between the Department of Finance and [the former staffer], and they’re appropriately at arm’s length from me,” he told 2GB.

“I can’t confirm that report, and I’m not aware of anyone else who can,” he told Sunrise.