Robert has no patience for smears

NEWLY minted Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert has hit back at “smears” and says he is fully prepared for his new role.

The Fadden MP has been recalled to the ministry by Prime Minister Scott Morrison more than two years after being sacked by the then-PM Malcolm Turnbull over his alleged links to China.

Mr Robert, a former army officer and businessman, said he relished the challenge to serve in the Government’s core economic team, where he is expected to deal with financial services, superannuation and regulatory industries.

“I don’t come to this blind, I’ve got a strong running start coming from business and spending the past few years reading all of our treaties,” Mr Robert (pictured) said.

Gold Coast-based Labor Senator Murray Watt yesterday hit out at Mr Robert’s suitability and slammed Mr Morrison for reviving his friend’s career.

“I was a bit surprised to see Stuart Robert back in the ministry, given how scandal-prone he has been over the years.

“But he is Scott Morrison’s flatmate in Canberra, they are very close friends and I think again that is a good example of Scott Morrison just repaying close friends rather than looking for the best talent.”

Mr Robert strongly rejected Senator Watt’s criticism, saying he had been cleared by the Australian Federal Police.

“That’s ridiculous. it’s Labor rubbish.” all