Cormann sorry for resigning Budgie Niner

Senior Liberal Mathias Cormann feels sorry for one of the so-called Budgie Nine, who felt compelled to quit his job in cabinet minister Christopher Pyne's office.

"I feel sorry for Jack Walker," Senator Cormann told Sky News on Sunday, and wished him all the best for the future..

"By all accounts he was a very good staffer who had a lapse of judgment overseas and on the face of it has paid a high price."

Jack Walker tendered his resignation on Saturday, shortly after returning to Australia

He apologised to Mr Pyne for causing any embarrassment to the government .

Last Sunday Mr Walker and eight friends attended the Grand Prix in Sepang and celebrated Australian Daniel Ricciardo's win by stripping down to their budgie smugglers emblazoned with the Malaysian flag.

Malaysian authorities were not amused the the nine men spent four nights in jail before being cautioned and released.