Heat gets hotter as Joyce takes week's leave

A Senate motion has called on Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to either resign or be sacked by the National Party. It came less than two hours after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced Mr Joyce would be taking leave next week. Mr Joyce has been under intense media scrutiny over his acceptance of a rent-free apartment from businessman Greg Maguire and his handling of an affair with a former staffer.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra Source: AAP