Christopher Pyne could be in breach of strict rules that stipulate ministers must pay for extravagant gifts, after receiving a pair of shoes designed by high-end fashion designer Jimmy Choo.
He has declined to answer questions about the gift, insisting he has complied with his obligations despite parliamentary documents casting doubt on that claim.
Mr Pyne’s register of interests was updated in March to note he had been given a pair of “Aboriginal print shoes” by Grand Master Lineage.
At his old label, a standard pair of factory Jimmy Choo pumps retail anywhere between $850 to $3495.
Under a gift policy, federal ministers are allowed to keep gifts from private sources in the course of official business provided it is worth less than $300. But if the gift is worth more, the minister must “buy” it by paying the difference between the $300 threshold and its commercial value.
The minister must complete a form, attach evidence of the gift’s value, and enclose a personal cheque or money order to the Collector of Public Monies.
Evidence provided to the Senate suggests Mr Pyne has not paid any difference in the value of the Aboriginal print shoes and the $300 limit.
“The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has no record of the above items being declared as official gifts over the allowable limit,” a recent estimates document notes.
“Declarations of official gifts that are over the allowable limit are a matter for individual ministers.”
Asked for evidence of the value of the shoes, what steps had been taken to establish their value, and to provide any proof of payment, a spokeswoman for Mr Pyne said: “Christopher Pyne MP has complied with the requirements of the register of members’ interests.”
