The Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, has released a new statement of ministerial standards.
The Statement sets out standards in relation to pecuniary interests, shareholdings, gifts and post-ministerial employment. It forbids ministers from employing family members in their ministerial or electorate offices.
The Statement provides a series of general statements in regard to accountability and integrity. It requires ministers to stand aside if charged with a criminal offence and to resign if convicted. It also says a resignation may be required if the Prime Minister “is satisfied” the Standards have been been breached “in a substantive and material manner”.