The Yes/No case has long been flawed and the government is right to dispense with it. But it will need to replace it with something else to counter misinformation – and do so with great care.
Archer was the only Liberal to vote for the motion. But Karen Andrews, who has previously said Morrison should quit parliament, abstained. Morrison was Andrews’ secret co-partner in home affairs.
The opposition will vote against the censure, but will support the legislation to implement the Bell recommendations to ensure ministerial appointments are always made public.
The Albanese government has devised a strong model for the new National Anti-Corruption Commission with robust powers and suitable accountability mechanisms.
As of Sunday morning, the Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten and Cyber Security Minister Clare O'Neil were yet to receive information from Optus that was requested on September 27.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus on the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus chats with Michelle Grattan about the National Anti-Corruption Commission, who will head it, and protections for whistleblowers.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus introducing Labor’s integrity bill in the House of Representatives.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Under the proposed legislation for the Albanese governments anti-corruption body, public hearings would only be held in ‘exceptional circumstances’ and in the public interest.
While Labor has the numbers in the lower house, it would need one additional vote beyond the Greens if the opposition opposed the legislation in the Senate.
The Australian Law Reform Commission report recommends major changes to the way judges are appointed and educated, and supports an independent body to investigate allegations of misconduct.
The Albanese government has acted quickly to abandon the prosecution of Bernard Collaery, who was charged in relation to the leaking of information about Australia’s alleged spying in Timor-Leste.
Politics Podcast: Mark Dreyfus on refining foreign interference legislation.
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Mark Dreyfus says Labor acknowledges the need to do more about espionage activity and foreign influence in Australia but argues changes need to be made to the 'hastily' and broadly drafted bill.
Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson appears before a Senate inquiry at Parliament House on Friday.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson has revealed he told Mark Dreyfus during the pre-election caretaker period that he disagreed with the binding direction George Brandis had issued.
A contentious move by George Brandis to restrict access to legal advice from the solicitor-general is continuing to raise controversy and questions about its legal validity.
The attorney-general holds a largely political office, sitting in cabinet and often holding other portfolios.
AAP/Lukas Coch
Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson has launched a swingeing attack on Attorney-General George Brandis, effectively accusing him of misleading parliament.
Attorney-General George Brandis has again lost a bid to prevent his ministerial diary from being released under FOI.
AAP/Mick Tsikas