Turnbull minister reveals cancer battle

ARTHUR Sinodinos, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, has revealed that he has cancer.

Fairfax Media reports that John Howard's former chief-of-staff turned politician is currently receiving treatment.

Two weeks ago, Senator Sinodinos said he was taking a period of medical leave without disclosing why.

He confirmed to Fairfax Media that he was having treatment, that the prognosis is good but declined to say what type of cancer he has.

"I am taking this period of leave in order to focus on my health and to get the treatment that I need," he said in a statement.

"I was pleased that I could work with my colleagues Michaelia Cash and Simon Birmingham on announcing our commitment to an Australian space agency last month, something which I look forward to reviewing and implementing early next year."

Mr Turnbull said he was looking forward to Sen Sinodinos returning to work healthy and cancer-free.

"Arthur is and remains a valued member of the cabinet, he has a good prognosis and I look forward to having Arthur back as soon as he is ready," he said.

Sen. Sinodinos was a key player in the Liberal Party's switch from former prime minister Tony Abbott to Mr Turnbull in 2015.

He became a senator in 2011 after a decade as Mr Howard's chief of staff.

He stood aside as assistant treasurer in the Abbott government after he was called to give evidence to the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption.

The agency subsequently cleared him.