A FORMER member of Federal Parliament has spoken out in support of disgraced former minister Stuart Robert, saying he would trust him with his life.

Alex Somlyay, the former Fairfax MP, was, after the demoralising Kevin 07 defeat in 2007, chief Liberal Party Whip responsible for ensuring the then Opposition had people in place to speak on matters before the House and that bodies were there to vote on crucial bills.

He said Mr Robert came into parliament after that election and became a member of an Opposition full of people bitter they had lost office, ministerial salaries and perks of government.

Morale made it difficult for Mr Somlyay to marshal ex-ministers he said were still crying over lost jobs.

"Stuart Robert was always the first one to step in (and fill the breach)," Mr Somlyay said.

"He made more speeches in his first year than any parliamentarian since Federation.

"If he has made a mistake that is unfortunate.

"I hope Malcolm Turnbull treats this as a sin-bin offence. He is too good and too conscientious to lose.

"I don't believe he would deliberately have breached the code or broken the rules.

"Obviously he has done it (visited China to support a Liberal Party donor's business interests in which he held shares).

"Whether or not that was in full knowledge or with an intent to deceive, I don't believe so.

"I hope in time he can return to the front bench and make a contribution."