Lobbyist’s allegation about Stuart Robert referred to prime minister’s department

Exclusive: Former human services minister denies claim made to parliament's audit committee by ex-Synergy 360 insider that it proposed a structure for him to benefit from government contracts

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A claim that the lobbying firm Synergy 360 proposed a structure to allow the former Coalition minister Stuart Robert to benefit from government contracts has been referred to the prime minister's department, which administers the ministerial code of conduct.

Guardian Australia can reveal the referral by Services Australia is one of several avenues of further investigation being pursued after the release by parliament's audit committee of a signed statement from Anthony Daly, the former personal and business partner of Synergy 360's former executive director Kham Xaysavanh.

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