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All agencies on notice over spending: PM

Daniel McCulloch and Paul OsborneAAP
Scott Morrison is open to broader examination of pay and bonuses.
Camera IconScott Morrison is open to broader examination of pay and bonuses.

Scott Morrison has put all government-owned businesses and agencies on notice that luxury gifts and above-limit expense claims won't be tolerated.

Australia Post's chief executive Christine Holgate has stood aside pending a review into the spending of $12,000 on four Cartier watches for senior staff.

The prime minister told parliament on Thursday the gifts were disgraceful and appalling, as he demanded Ms Holgate step aside.

On Friday, it was also revealed chairman of the corporate watchdog ASIC, James Shipton, had stood aside pending an investigation into $118,000 in expenses, which he has pledged to pay back.

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His deputy Dan Crennan has also committed to paying back $70,000 in expenses.

Asked whether it was time for a broader examination of pay and bonuses in government businesses and agencies, Mr Morrison said he was open to the idea.

"Let's see. But I think there wouldn't be a board member of a government agency or a CEO of a government agency that did not get my message yesterday," he said.

"I think they got it with a rocket.

"And so my advice to them is to get it."

Mr Morrison said the watches would not have passed any test with the Australian public.

"Companies that are owned by the government, I believe, through their board and their management executives, will be held to that standard, and I think I applied that very firmly yesterday."

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said people were right to be angry.

"Christine Holgate obviously has come from the private sector and that might be an acceptable way to provide a bonus or reward to staff," Mr Dutton said.

"But in Australia Post where you're talking essentially about taxpayer dollars, the Australian government, the Australian people are the shareholders in Australia Post, then it's unacceptable."

Labor deputy leader Richard Marles said the Australia Post boss was not the only one with questions to answer.

Mr Marles said the chairman made the call on the watches and the board backed his decision.

"This is a board packed full of Liberal mates and there does need to be action in relation to the board," he said.

Rodney Boys, the chief financial officer of the government-owned business, will act in the chief executive role during the investigation by the federal communications and finance departments, supported by an external law firm.

A Senate estimates hearing was told the total value of Australia Post incentives was $97.4 million in the 2019/20 financial year.

More than $60 million flowed to 2500 employees involved in the corporate incentive plan, ranging from senior staff to general managers.

A further $21.6 million was "thank you" payments for frontline workers including posties, drivers and processors, while $5.6 million was spent on gift cards for contractors and licensees.

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