A senior Labor minister has defended a decision not to stand down a charged colleague from his role as a special envoy, saying different rules would apply if the MP was a minister. Luke Gosling is the government's special envoy for defence, veterans affairs and northern Australia. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementHe is the government's special envoy for defence, veterans affairs and northern Australia. Health Minister Mark Butler on Sunday justified the backbencher retaining the role after days of opposition pressure for Gosling to be stood down pending a court outcome. If they are at an event together, the Labor MP must not be within 15 metres of Mr Connolly.