In an explosive revelation on Channel 9 this evening, Department of Health FOI documents have revealed the review on a TGA banned product was because the Ministers Office was very keen to have a DIY-flu test reviewed.

Last year the Health Minister claimed the Therapeutic Goods Administrator were responsible for the review of the test whose company Chair has donated $567,930 to the Liberal and Liberal National Parties.

This new information confirms that the Ministers Office was in control of that process.

In other words, not only did the Ministers office interfere in the operations of the independent TGA, but then the Minister lied about it.

Straight after the Federal election, Minister Hunt requested the TGA review the Ellume device amongst other DIY-flu testing products.

The Chair of Ellume, Mr Paul Darrouzet donated nearly $600,000 to the Liberal and Liberal National Parties since 2014. Ellume also received a $1 million grant under the Abbott Government in 2015.

The TGA is a regulatory body that fits under the Department of Health and makes independent decisions about regulating Australias therapeutic goods.

This unprecedented ministerial intervention into a review of the regulation of technology after such a large donation was made to the Liberal Party raises huge concerns about the Ministers integrity.

This blatant misuse and cover up of a respected independent process is the latest in a line of scandals from theLiberalsand theirmates.

Greg Hunt needs to stop misusing government processes and start taking action on the record high out of pocket costs and waiting lists in Australias health system.