Deputy Labor leader Michelle O’Byrne said although Ms Courtney had confirmed in Parliament that she used encrypted message service WhatsApp, the content of messages potentially relating to her breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct had not been disclosed as part of an investigation.

“Ms Courtney finally admitted to using the service after four attempts to get an answer in Parliament but it’s clearer this information was not given to investigators who concluded she had breached the Code of Conduct,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“Equally as important is the lingering question about the potential misuse of taxpayer funds by Ms Courtney during her relationship with the head of her department, particularly during her recent trade mission to Hong Kong and China.”

Ms O’Byrne also asked: “Why did you think it was acceptable to carry on breaching the ministerial code of conduct for a month without disclosing this serious matter?”

Ms Courtney said as it was the 21^st century she used a range of methods to communicate including WhatsApp.

“It is just a preposterous conspiracy theory,” Ms Courtney said. 

“If the other side wants to find out about expenses and diaries there are normal protocols, there are RTIs that can be put in.

”For the other side to expect me, two months after travelling overseas, to be able to recall my step-by-step movements on that trip is bizarre.”

Ms O’Byrne said Premier Will Hodgman should step in to ensure concerns about the investigation could be addressed.

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff accused Labor of politicking.

“My understanding is that no stone was left unturned when it comes to that independent investigation,” he said.