Special Minister of State Scott Ryan has decided to waive the debt owed to the government by former Family First senator Bob Day.

Senator Ryan told a committee hearing on Thursday he had taken advice on the issue and found that given Mr Day had performed his duties in “good faith”, and noting his personal financial circumstances, the debt should be waived.

Mr Day was declared by the High Court to have been invalidly elected to parliament due to an electoral office leasing arrangement with the commonwealth.

The government wrote to him seeking the repayment of salaries, allowances and expenses, but has not publicly revealed the total amount of money sought.

He wrote back saying he wanted the debt waived.

Debts against Mr Day’s staff or third parties were not pursued.

Senator Ryan rejected criticism of the process, saying departmental officials “acted in accordance with the law”.

– AAP