NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has labelled the leaker within his government a "gutless wonder" after it was revealed Deputy Premier John Barilaro would be losing his drivers licence.
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Mr Barilaro, who is on mental health leave, was caught speeding and using his phone while behind the wheel.
The transport minister would not confirm whether there would be an investigation into how the information was leaked to the media.
"The gutless wonder who put that in the paper today, come forward, come do a presser today," Mr Constance told reporters.
"Put up or shut up."
Mr Constance said the Nationals leader will need to be held accountable for his actions upon his return.
"I don't care whether you're the deputy premier or not," he said.
"There's no excuse to be holding a mobile phone up to your ear, there's no excuse for speeding."
Mr Barilaro took leave on September 18 after facing off against the premier over the coalition government's koala protection policy, which has since been updated.
His office has confirmed Mr Barilaro will pay the fines and wear the penalties for the infringements, which occurred days before he went on leave.
"The driving offences in question did not contribute to his decision to take leave," a spokeswoman told Sydney media outlets.
"A number of factors over a period of time contributed to the deputy premier making the decision to take leave, including dealing with the aftermath of bushfires across the state, the prolonged drought, and the death of his father."
Premier Gladys Berejiklian would not be drawn on Mr Barilaro's traffic infringements and said the matter was for him and his office.
But when asked directly if she ever texts and drives, she replied, "No".
Mr Barilaro's office said he planned to return from leave and resume his political duties "in the coming weeks", The Daily Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Australian Associated Press
