Labor 'paranoid' about ag boss departure

Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has dismissed as a "paranoid quest" Labor threats to take the departure of his departmental head to a parliamentary committee for investigation.

Paul Grimes stepped down from his role late last week amid speculation about his relationship with the minister.

"I'm absolutely at ease," Mr Joyce told reporters when asked about the Labor threat as he arrived at Parliament House on Monday.

Opposition agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon called on the government to provide a detailed explanation.

"Particularly given the agriculture minister in recent days has said he has a very good working relationship with the department, and has never had an angry word with Dr Grimes," he told reporters.

The former department head was drawn into a controversy over a Hansard correction by Mr Joyce's office last year.

The opposition has accused the minister of misleading parliament about drought support, and sacking Dr Grimes because he stood up to him over the Hansard changes.