Treasury Secretary, Dr Ken Henry, is perfectly entitled to take leave with his family, and this leave is being taken with my approval and that of the Government.
Dr Henry has worked non-stop for seven months helping us implement our substantial program of economic reform and deliver the Government's first Budget.
The Secretary took no leave at Christmas, so that he could work through the summer on the new Government's economic agenda and the 2008-09 Budget.
Dr Henry has not had substantial leave for a year, that is, since the month he took off in the middle of 2007 under Treasurer Costello.
This is the optimal time for him to recharge, given what he has achieved in the last seven months and the work we require him to do on tax, emissions trading, COAG and other issues in the coming months and years.
Dr Henry has taken a month off in the middle of at least the past four years – it was his usual arrangement under the former government.
Treasury is a highly professional organisation with many highly talented officials – it will be in very good hands during the Secretary's absence.
Dr Nelson and Mr Turnbull's attempts to smear Australia's premier economic advisor should be seen for what it is – irresponsible, petty political point-scoring.