The federal government insists its legislative agenda will not be affected by Christian Porter's absence, despite crossbench warnings it has little chance of getting its industrial relations changes through Parliament this month.
Mr Porter is taking "a couple" of weeks' leave after publicly identifying himself as the politician named in an anonymous letter, which alleged he raped a 16-year-old girl in 1988 when he was 17.
He strenuously denies the allegation, stating "nothing in the allegations that have been printed ever happened".
As Industrial Relations Minister, Mr Porter is responsible for the government's proposed package of workplace changes, announced last year.
The industrial relations (IR) legislation is currently being considered by a Senate committee, which is due to report by March 12.
If the bill is not passed by the Senate the following week, there would not be another opportunity before the budget in May.
Independent senator Rex Patrick backed calls for an independent inquiry into the allegation against Mr Porter and said he should step aside while that took place.
Senator Patrick said the Coalition had little chance of passing the IR legislation in March.
"The government need three of five crossbenchers. I don't think they have any of them yet," he said.
In a statement, Acting Industrial Relations Minister Michaelia Cash said the government was committed to passing the legislation "at the earliest opportunity".
The government has rejected calls for an inquiry into the allegation against Mr Porter, arguing New South Wales Police have already determined there is "insufficient admissible evidence" to proceed.
ABC News: Andrew Kennedy
)Housing Minister Michael Sukkar said the "rule of law" must be respected.
"The Attorney-General made a very heartfelt statement," he said.
Mr Sukkar said his colleague was taking "a very, very short period [of] time of leave". Although it is not yet known what date Mr Porter will return to his role.
He insists he will not be stepping down from his Cabinet position.
