Scott Morrison says an accusation Peter Dutton misled Parliament over au pairs is 'mud-slinging'

Scott Morrison's eyebrows are raised, Peter Dutton has his eyes closed and mouth twisted into a comical frown.

Peter Dutton has been accused of misleading Federal Parliament over the European au pair scandal, by saying he had no personal connection or relationship with the prospective employers.

Key points:

Questioned about intervening in two cases earlier this year, Peter Dutton told Parliament he could rule out any relationship between him and the au pairs' employers
Today he admitted he had worked with Russell Keag, whose family one au pair was planning to work with
Greens call for explanation, but PM says opponents are simply "kicking up dust"

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison has launched a strong defence of his Home Affairs Minister, accusing his opponents of kicking up dust and "slinging some mud around".

In June 2015, Mr Dutton used his ministerial power to overrule a senior department official and ensure an Italian au pair was not deported, granting her a tourist visa.

Michela Marchisio was planning to work for a former Queensland Police colleague of Mr Dutton's, Russell Keag, who is understood to have lobbied the Minister's office for action.

A picture of a woman standing in front of Brisbane's Story Bridge

The intervention was one of two that were reported by the media earlier this year, although the identities of those involved were not known at the time.

In March, Greens MP Adam Bandt asked Mr Dutton whether he could "categorically rule out any personal connection or any other relationship between you and the intended employer of either of the au pairs".

"The answer is yes," Mr Dutton told Parliament.

Today, Mr Dutton admitted he worked with Mr Keag during the 1990s before he entered federal politics, but he said he had not spoken to him in close to 20 years.

Image of a couple with their children in a tropical location

Mr Bandt said Mr Dutton needed to explain the difference between his statement in March and his comments today.

"On the face of it, he has misled Parliament [and if so] he shouldn't be a minister anymore," he said.

The Home Affairs Minister has also been asked to explain why he intervened to ensure a French au pair could stay in Australia, after lobbying from AFL boss Gillon McLachlan.

Mr Dutton has repeatedly rejected suggestions his interventions were based on personal connections, saying he receives thousands of requests from the public, journalists and politicians.

Morrison: Mud is being thrown around

The Prime Minister launched a strong defence of Mr Dutton while in Indonesia for trade talks, saying he had no concerns about Mr Dutton's interventions.

"Canberra loves it when dust gets kicked up and people sling some mud around — there's nothing new about that — but I don't see those type of activities and machinations as grounds for anything," Mr Morrison said.

"I think it's the usual Canberra circus. And any issues of substance I would consider, but there are none before me."

When speaking with Sydney radio station 2GB, Mr Dutton said he was elected to do what was in the national interest and act on "common sense".

"There's another case, as I say, out of hundreds that I deal with each year, that somehow has found its way into the media about a former police colleague of mine," Mr Dutton said.

"I wouldn't have spoken to that individual in 20 years and I didn't speak to him in relation to this matter. He raised it with my office."

Mr Dutton's office has been asked to respond to Mr Bandt's comments.