Parliament has now finished its sitting fortnight. Michelle Grattan discusses the key issues from it, including Labor’s approach to passing legislation given its weaker position in the Senate.
Whether or not it’s some sort of record, the Liberals’ loss of two Victorian candidates in a single day is way beyond what Oscar Wilde would have dubbed carelessness.
That Victorian Liberals have to change candidates in three seats draws attention to an issue that should be properly fixed but won’t be any time soon – the problem of section 44 of the constitution.
Katter is a politician who creates a fuss in search of a reaction. And what better time than when Morrison is heading north on a campaign journey through Queensland, making announcements as he goes?
Problems with section 44 of the Constitution have absorbed a great deal of time, money and energy over the past year – it’s time all politicians worked towards genuine reform.
While there is no evidence that Abbott and Joyce have accepted a salary for their special envoy roles, an offer of payment, if there was one, could cause them problems.
The Solicitor-General finds Dutton to be “not incapable” of sitting in parliament after questions were raised about his eligibility through section 44 of the Constitution.
Whether we end up with Prime Minister Turnbull, Dutton, Morrison or Bishop – it will not be sweetness and light among those who find themselves at the “out-group” when the dust begins to settle.
Prtime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will invite a leadership “spill” motion at midday Friday, once a majority of Liberals formally ask for a party meeting.
Attorney-General Christian Porter on a crowded agenda
Christian Porter says the response to the consultations for a national apology to victims of child sexual abuse has been very strong with a total of 167 attendees at consultation sessions so far.
Liberal backbench senator Dean Smith will challenge on Saturday his party’s decision not to field a candidate in the byelection for the federal seat of Perth.
It was the week that saw a parliamentary committee recommend a referendum to end the dual citizenship debacle- but the idea was immediately shut down by the government.
A report into the dual citizenship saga provides a number of practical recommendations to improve compliance with section 44 of the Constitution, but also confirms there is no easy fix.