Joyce wants end to ban
BARNABY Joyce has dramatically called for an end to the ban on spouses working for parliamentarians to help protect relationships from the “perverse” nature of the job.
The ex- deputy prime minister – who has an eight- monthold son Sebastian with his partner, former staff member Vikki Campion – has thrown a spotlight on the relentless working conditions of parliamentarians and the toll it takes on families.
Mr Joyce says Mr Abbott made an error in 2013 when he banned family working for parliamentarians.
“One of the mistakes Tony Abbott made was this sort of restriction on partners’ travel or ( your) wife working for you,” Mr Joyce says.
“( Your loved one is) prob- ably one of the best persons working for you because she more than anyone understands your diary, understands kids’ birthdays, anniversaries.
“Understands all the things you’ve got to be a part of if you want to stay married.
“The only way you can give true support to a relationship is allow people to be together as much as they possibly can.”