Barnaby Joyce wants MP relative job ban overturned

Federal MPs should be allowed to employ their spouses to work in their offices to help keep families together, Barnaby Joyce says.

Former Deputy-PM Barnaby Joyce was one of many government figures caught out by dual citizenship. Source: AAP

Barnaby Joyce, who left his wife after having an affair with a staffer, wants the coalition to overturn a ban on federal MPs hiring family members to work for them.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott in 2013 ruled relatives could no longer work for MPs or senators, in a bid to head off claims of nepotism.

But Mr Joyce says that was a mistake.

"(Your loved one is) probably 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," he told The Courier-Mail in an interview published on Friday.

Mr Joyce resigned as deputy prime minister and Nationals leader this year after it was revealed he had an affair and had left his wife and three daughters.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison ruled out dumping the ban.

"I have no plans to do that. That arrangement has been in place for five years," he told Seven Network.