Barnaby Joyce has said he will return to parliament on June 15, contradicting the Nationals whip which said he will be on leave until the end of June.
The former deputy prime minister tweeted on Wednesday that "contrary to reports, I'm taking leave until June 15 following a routine check up".
"I look forward to resuming parliamentary duties," he added.
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It came after the office for Nationals whip Michelle Landry said on Tuesday that Mr Joyce applied for leave until the end of June and it had been granted.
If Mr Joyce returns on June 15, he will be present for the final sitting fortnight before the midwinter break.
Mr Joyce has taken sick leave after recording a tell-all, $150,000 interview with his staffer-turned-partner Vikki Campion.
Mr Joyce jumped to the backbench after his relationship with Ms Campion became public in February. Their son Sebastian was born on April 16.
He has split from his wife Natalie, the mother of his four daughters.
"Obviously he's been under a fair bit of stress in the last six or 12 months, and he's taking some time with his family, so I can understand that," Nationals frontbencher Darren Chester told ABC radio.
Labor has granted Mr Joyce a voting pair while he is off work.
Additional reporting: AAP
