Australian minister resigns after being accused of using public funds for personal purposes.

Australian Health Minister Sussan Ley insists she did not violate any rules but has decided to resign pending an investigation.

Sussan Ley maintains she did not break any laws - Photo: Andrew Meares

On January 9th, Australian Health Minister Sussan Ley announced her resignation after being accused of using public funds for a private business trip.

According to The Australian newspaper, Ms. Ley made a trip to Gold Coast, Queensland, using taxpayers' money to buy an apartment there worth A$795,000.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Ms. Ley agreed to step down from her position and forgo her salary while authorities investigate. He also expressed his hope that all ministers in his cabinet would respect the standards set for ministers, particularly regarding the spending of public funds.

Speaking to reporters on January 9, Minister Ley said she did not expect to be removed from office permanently, and stated that she was confident the investigation would prove her innocence.

"I have nothing to hide. I didn't break any rules," she said.

Meanwhile, Australian MP Catherine King said Ley had not adequately explained how taxpayer money was used for the trip, and that Malcolm Turnbull should have fired her.

For her part, Ms. Ley said that the decision to buy a house during a trip to the Gold Coast in May 2015 was "unplanned".

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce defended Ms. Ley, saying that her purchase of a house during the visit was "legitimate business," and that buying a house was not the reason she came to Gold Coast, but that she was there for work, according to ABC News.

According to Tuoi Tre newspaper