Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says he will not stand down amid controversy stemming from his personal life and has denied breaching the ministerial code of conduct.
The National Party leader has been under intense scrutiny after his relationship with former staffer Vikki Campion was exposed publicly last week.
The ministerial code prohibits frontbenchers from employing close relatives or partners, and they cannot work in other ministerial offices without the prime minister's express approval.
Questions then emerged over the 33-year-old Ms Campion's job transfers.
Ms Campion moved from Mr Joyce's office in April to work for cabinet minister Matt Canavan, then to the office of the Nationals' whip at the time, Damian Drum.
Mr Joyce insists the process has been in line with the rules.
Pressure is mounting from Labor and the Greens, from questioning the ongoing viability of the Deputy Prime Minister to calling for his resignation.
Contenders eyeing the National Party leadership could also prove unsettling for Mr Joyce.
Nationals backbencher Ken O'Dowd has told Radio 4CC several of his colleagues would be happy to lead the party if Mr Joyce steps aside.
Mr Joyce has acknowledged that distress -- and the toll being taken on the people in his life like his wife.
"I would like to say to Natalie how deeply sorry I am for all the hurt this has caused. To my girls, how deeply sorry I am for all the hurt that it has caused them. To Vikki Campion, how deeply sorry I am that she has been dragged into this. I'd like to also say to my supporters and people in my electorate how deeply sorry I am that this personal issue -- deeply personal issue -- has gone into the public arena."
