'Put up or shut up': Constance attacks Nats' suggestions of Barilaro data leak
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance says anyone suggesting there has been a potential data breach from within government over the Deputy Premier's driving record should "put up, or shut up" and go directly to the police with their evidence.
A fresh scuffle broke out within the Coalition on Friday after it was revealed Nationals leader John Barilaro will lose his licence after receiving several fines for driving offences.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance says anonymous sources making claims of a data breach need to "put up or shut up".Credit:Nick Moir
Sources from within the Deputy Premier's office have suggested the revelations could have come from a data breach within a government agency.
Mr Constance said he and his department had not been briefed on Mr Barilaro's driving offences and anyone making anonymous suggestions of data breaches should go to police, not the media.
"If someone has evidence, go to police. It's a serious allegation so put your name to it and go to police. I bet you it doesn't happen," Mr Constance said on Friday.
"The gutless wonder who put that quote in the paper today about data breaches, come forward, come down and do a presser now and make the claim.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro will lose his licence over multiple driving offences. Credit:Janie Barrett
"There is no way in the world my agency has information on that. So there is no way in the world I got briefed on it."
Mr Barilaro received the fines, one of which includes using a mobile phone while behind the wheel, since going on mental health leave. He has not yet paid them.
A spokeswoman for Mr Barilaro said the driving offences in question did not contribute to the Nationals leader's decision to take personal leave.
Another senior Nationals source said: 'The Liberals will stop at nothing to get him."
The fines were forwarded to Mr Barilaro from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, which is responsible for ministerial cars.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she believed her department acted appropriately. Credit:Louise Kennerley
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was confident her department had acted properly, and would "absolutely" support any inquiry into the matter.
"He's obviously taken time out, and that's a matter for him and his office," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Can I say that I have every confidence that my department has done everything right in relation to this."
Asked whether the driving offences should cost the Deputy Premier his job, Mr Constance said it was a matter for Mr Barilaro.
"In terms of John's situation around this, it's all a matter for him. He needs to be accountable for this conduct and no doubt he invariably will when he returns," Mr Constance said.
"There are no excuses, and it doesn't matter who you are."
Mr Barilaro announced he would take leave after a tumultuous period in Macquarie Street, in which the Nationals threatened to move to the crossbench and destroy the government's majority over koala planning legislation.
The threat did not eventuate after Ms Berejiklian issued an ultimatum, which was to back down or she would swear in an all-Liberal ministry.
❏ Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636.
Get our Morning & Evening Edition newsletters
The most important news, analysis and insights delivered to your inbox at the start and end of each day. Sign up to The Sydney Morning Herald’s newsletter here, to The Age’s newsletter here and Brisbane Times' here.
Tom Rabe is Transport Reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald.
Alexandra Smith is the State Political Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald.