Alan Tudge has been stood down as Education Minister after his former staffer claimed their affair was at times abusive.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Mr Tudge - who denies the allegations - agreed to step aside while his department conducts an independent inquiry.
Rachelle Miller, Mr Tudge's former press secretary, made their consensual relationship public a year ago but revealed further details on Thursday in a plea for change to workplace culture in Parliament House.
Alan Tudge (pictured) has been stood down as Education Minister after his former staffer claimed their affair was at times abusive
Ms Miller said the minister repeatedly chastised, bullied and belittled her.
On one occasion, she alleges Mr Tudge kicked her until she left his bed after her phone rang early one morning and he became frustrated it woke him.
'I completely and utterly reject Ms Miller's version of events,' Mr Tudge said in a statement on Thursday.
'Ms Miller and I had a consensual affair in 2017 as both of us have publicly acknowledged. This is something I deeply regret.'
Announcing that Mr Tudge has been stood down, Mr Morrison told Parliament: 'These issues are obviously deeply concerning and I know deeply distressing, for Ms Miller, minister Tudge and the families affected by these events.
'I have discussed Ms Miller's statement with Mr Tudge, who refuted the allegations made.
'Given the seriousness of the claims made by Ms Miller, it's important these matters be resolved fairly and expeditiously.
Former staffer to Australian Education Minister Alan Tudge Rachelle Miller
'To this end, the minister has agreed to my request to stand aside while these issues are addressed by my department, through an independent and fair process, to ensure that the matters that have
