Defence Minister David Johnston has declared he'll continue to maintain the highest standards in his office amid reports two senior staff were given their marching orders.
The departure of two of his top advisers comes as the Department of Defence investigates leaked restaurant receipts detailing lavish gatherings the minister hosted with foreign dignitaries.
Senator Johnston on Thursday confirmed his department was investigating the matter, but wouldn't comment on the specifics of the case "out of respect" for his staff.
"As a senior cabinet minister and a member of the National Security Committee I require the highest standard of probity and secure management of information within my office," he told the chamber.
"I will continue to maintain those standards."
The November dated receipts totalled $6384 and show purchases of $190 bottles of wine and meals costing $300 a head.
Labor pursued the minister during question time over his "culinary tour", which included a $98 T-bone steak and $20 lobster roll.
Senator Johnston denied any wrongdoing, saying all the dinners and travel he'd ever undertaken were within the ministerial guidelines.
He discussed an Anzac commemorative event in West Australia last month where he hosted a number of foreign counterparts.
"I am extremely proud of what Australians have done in France in two world wars, and when the French defence minster comes here, I'm very pleased to extend hospitality to him," he said.
He also flatly denied an allegation that he accepted an international flight upgrade as minister.
It's just the latest drama for Senator Johnston, who has fended off calls for his resignation after saying last week he wouldn't trust the nation's shipbuilder ASC to build a canoe.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott again stood by Senator Johnston, saying he was doing a fine job addressing problems inherited from Labor in one of the most vital portfolios.
"He has my full confidence, he deserves the full support of this parliament," he told parliament.
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