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Labor and Coalition reach deal on citizenship disclosure – politics live New senator Fraser Anning abandons One Nation on first day – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Liberal MP and long-time same-sex marriage supporter, Warren Entsch, has blasted Senate colleague, James Paterson, for his rival same-sex marriage bill.
Entsch told Guardian Australia he was “surprised and disappointed” by the move but conceded Paterson was entitled to put his name to the bill.Entsch:
“For someone who claims to support same-sex marriage he does seem to have two bob each way. I question his commitment here, that he is seen to be doing the bidding of those opposed to same-sex marriage.”
Entsch suggested that the Australian people are right to be cynical that conservative opponents were now showing a “sudden interest” in marriage equality and proposed a bill winding back anti-discrimination law “at a federal state and territory level for a particular cohort”.
Entsch:
“I’m not sure how comfortable the Australian public will be with this. What about realtors selling properties to a gay couple, or doctors refusing to treat children with gay parents? Where does it end? ... They won’t sit back while we have a debate for three years about what class of citizen we should make the gay community - it won’t stack up.”
Tony Abbott was on 2GB radio within the past hour talking to host Ray Hadley.
The former prime minister spoke at length about the protesters who assaulted his sister, Christine Forster, as she was trying to enter a Liberal party fundraiser on Friday evening in Redfern, Sydney.
Forster’s jacket was torn violently, she was reportedly spat upon, and she needed police to shield her as protesters made it difficult for her to enter the fundraiser.
Abbott said the protesters must have been living under a rock for the past few months because they mustn’t have realised his sister has been one of the strongest advocates for same-sex marriage, and holds many progressive views.
His parents, who also attended the event, were badly shaken by the experience.
“It’s a real tragedy that people have become so incredibly intolerant as to treat someone like Chris, who is herself a bit of a human rights campaigner, to treat her this way is just outrageous,” he said.
“Chris is certainly no uncritical member of the conservative right. She’s on a different side to myself on the same-sex marriage debate. She’s, I think, on the progressive side, if I might use that term, of the Liberal party, as she’s entitled to be.”
On the citizenship saga, Abbott said it was good to hear that Malcolm Turnbull and the Labor leader, Bill Shorten, had come to an agreement for the new citizenship disclosure regime.
The deal for the upper house means disclosures will happen by 1 December.
Abbott said the agreement was a sign that Turnbull and Shorten realised that the issue was getting out of hand, after Christopher Pyne’s threat at the weekend to start referring Labor MPs to the high court led Labor to threaten to start going nuclear with its own dirt files on at least five more Coalition MPs.
On Monday’s Newspoll – the 23rd poll in a row showing the government trailing Labor – Abbott said he still believed the government could win the next election.
He didn’t take the opportunity to criticise Turnbull, saying lots of factors conspire against every prime minister, making it difficult for them to do their job.
He said Jim Nolan would make a great replacement for Nationals senator Fiona Nash if Hollie Hughes – the next on the ticket after Nash at the 2016 election – is ruled ineligible.
Fraser Anning, One Nation’s newly sworn-in senator, is leaving the party. He was sworn in about an hour ago as the replacement for Malcolm Roberts.
Anning will sit as an independent. The One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, has issued a statement saying she spoke to Anning this morning, but the talks broke down when she refused Anning’s staff entry into a party room meeting.
“Mr Anning was advised that David Goodridge, Leon Ashby, Richard Howard and Boston White were not welcome to this morning’s party room meeting because of their disloyalty to their former employer and myself,” Hanson said.
Anning said “I know where this is going” and stood up and walked out of the room.
Hanson asked senators Burston and Georgiou to mediate with Anning to find some common ground, but they were told Anning would stand as an independent only minutes before he was sworn into the Senate.
“Before the citizenship cloud hovered over Malcolm Roberts’ head, I had already approached Fraser Anning to contest the seat of Gladstone in the upcoming Queensland state election,” Hanson said. “I was of the view at the time, Fraser would be a solid candidate for that electorate.
“Mr Anning dismissed the request on the grounds that he and his wife were determined to make a permanent move to the United States to join their two daughters and grandchildren, who own a business venture on the west coast.”
Hanson said she had tried to contact Anning while he was overseas, but “those efforts fell on deaf ears”. She was forced to communicate with him through his brother, Harry Anning.
“I indicated to Harry Anning at the time that given the work Malcolm Roberts had achieved as chair of the banking inquiry and his role in challenging climate change, it would be in the federal party’s and Australia’s best interest for Malcolm Roberts to be returned to the Senate,” she said.
“I was disappointed Mr Anning made no attempt to contact me or any One Nation executive member off the back of multiple requests to discuss his future plans.
“Instead he chose to release scathing media releases demanding I pledge my support to him without even meeting or speaking to him.”
Anning was not flanked by One Nation senators when he first entered the Senate to be sworn in this morning. He was instead accompanied by David Leyonhjelm and Cory Bernardi.
The writs for the byelection in Bennelong have been issued.
The date of the poll will be Saturday 16 December.
Here’s a full rundown of the dates:
Issue of writ – 13 November
Close of rolls – 20 November
Close of nominations – 23 November
Declaration of nominations – 24 November
Date of poll – 16 December
Return of writ on or before – 21 February 2018.
New details are emerging about the agreement struck between Labor and the Liberals on citizenship disclosure. Labor has won some key concessions, including a requirement to detail the citizenship of grandparents.
We’ve just seen a draft resolution that will be put to the Senate, requiring senators to disclose details of their citizenship no later than 5pm on 1 December.
It requires senators to declare:
that the senator, at time of nomination, was an Australian citizen
that the senator is not a citizen of any other country
the senator’s place and date of birth
the citizenship held at the time of birth
the place and date of birth of parents and grandparents
whether the senator has ever been a citizen of a country or another country, and if so, which countries
the steps taken to assure that citizenship has not been inherited from a parent or grandparent
the steps taken to renounce any foreign citizenship
If the senator has been a citizen of another country at any time, they will be required to disclose:
details and evidence of the date and manner in which the senator’s citizenship of the other country was renounced
if it has not been renounced by the date of nomination to the Senate, evidence will need to be provided of the steps that have been taken to renounce the citizenship prior to the date of nomination
Senators will need to update the register within 21 days of becoming aware it is no longer accurate.
Well, all sorts of records are tumbling during this morning’s changing of the guard in the Senate.Well, all sorts of records are tumbling during this morning’s changing of the guard in the Senate.
First we had the youngest ever senator sworn in, 23-year-old Jordan Steele-John.First we had the youngest ever senator sworn in, 23-year-old Jordan Steele-John.
Now we have the youngest ever Senate president in Scott Ryan, who is 44.Now we have the youngest ever Senate president in Scott Ryan, who is 44.
Thanks to our colleagues in Auspic for these pictures from this morning's proceedings pic.twitter.com/D3omlmRvzjThanks to our colleagues in Auspic for these pictures from this morning's proceedings pic.twitter.com/D3omlmRvzj
The attorney-general, George Brandis, has spoken glowingly of Ryan, calling him a friend, a fellow “classical liberal”, a protege of Peter Costello, and a strong believer in the role of institutions in Australian democracy.The attorney-general, George Brandis, has spoken glowingly of Ryan, calling him a friend, a fellow “classical liberal”, a protege of Peter Costello, and a strong believer in the role of institutions in Australian democracy.
Fortuitously, he’s apparently also an expert in the constitution and constitutional law, a valued skill given the current citizenship quagmire.Fortuitously, he’s apparently also an expert in the constitution and constitutional law, a valued skill given the current citizenship quagmire.
“We trust that you will continue to be Senate president for many years, if not decades to come,” Brandis said.“We trust that you will continue to be Senate president for many years, if not decades to come,” Brandis said.
Brandis also spoke of the departure of the former president, Stephen Parry, who was forced to depart during the citizenship scandal.Brandis also spoke of the departure of the former president, Stephen Parry, who was forced to depart during the citizenship scandal.
The controversy surrounding Parry’s departure should not reflect on his work as president, Brandis said.The controversy surrounding Parry’s departure should not reflect on his work as president, Brandis said.
“The fact senator Parry is no longer with us is a cause of regret to the many of us who were his friends, and I wish to take the occasion to thank senator Parry for what he did for this institution.”“The fact senator Parry is no longer with us is a cause of regret to the many of us who were his friends, and I wish to take the occasion to thank senator Parry for what he did for this institution.”
While the Senate is holding a ballot for the new president, the government has come to terms with the ALP on the new citizenship disclosure regime.While the Senate is holding a ballot for the new president, the government has come to terms with the ALP on the new citizenship disclosure regime.
The deal for the upper house means disclosures will happen by December 1.The deal for the upper house means disclosures will happen by December 1.
I’ll bring you more particulars as they come to hand.I’ll bring you more particulars as they come to hand.
We’ve just got confirmation that Liberal Scott Ryan has been voted the new president of the Senate, easily defeating the only other candidate, Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson. The vote was 53 to Ryan and 11 to Whish-Wilson.We’ve just got confirmation that Liberal Scott Ryan has been voted the new president of the Senate, easily defeating the only other candidate, Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson. The vote was 53 to Ryan and 11 to Whish-Wilson.
Bizarrely, one senator managed to lodge an invalid vote.Bizarrely, one senator managed to lodge an invalid vote.
Ryan’s election makes him the 25th Senate president.Ryan’s election makes him the 25th Senate president.
Ryan has just briefly addressed the Senate.Ryan has just briefly addressed the Senate.
“I do emphasise: I’m now your servant, I do now represent all senators,” he said.“I do emphasise: I’m now your servant, I do now represent all senators,” he said.
The Liberal senator James Paterson has told Guardian Australia he will seek a meeting with Dean Smith to discuss the rival conservative same-sex marriage bill Paterson released on Monday that winds back discrimination law protections of same-sex weddings.The Liberal senator James Paterson has told Guardian Australia he will seek a meeting with Dean Smith to discuss the rival conservative same-sex marriage bill Paterson released on Monday that winds back discrimination law protections of same-sex weddings.
Paterson said he wanted to talk about a “shared path forward” and that he would prefer the Coalition party room to discuss marriage bills before any “material steps” are taken in parliament.Paterson said he wanted to talk about a “shared path forward” and that he would prefer the Coalition party room to discuss marriage bills before any “material steps” are taken in parliament.
In the event of a yes vote, Smith has committed to introduce his marriage bill on Thursday so it sounds like Paterson wants Smith to hold off (or at least to prevent a vote) before the party room next meets in two weeks.In the event of a yes vote, Smith has committed to introduce his marriage bill on Thursday so it sounds like Paterson wants Smith to hold off (or at least to prevent a vote) before the party room next meets in two weeks.
The deputy Labor leader, Tanya Plibersek, told Radio National the Paterson bill was “one more delaying tactic from the people that brought you the $122m waste of money postal survey”.But Paterson insists his efforts are not directed at delay. In the event of a yes vote parliament should legislate same-sex marriage “before Christmas, with additional sitting weeks if necessary”, he said.The deputy Labor leader, Tanya Plibersek, told Radio National the Paterson bill was “one more delaying tactic from the people that brought you the $122m waste of money postal survey”.But Paterson insists his efforts are not directed at delay. In the event of a yes vote parliament should legislate same-sex marriage “before Christmas, with additional sitting weeks if necessary”, he said.
Liberal Scott Ryan will be the new president of the Senate after the departure of Stephen Parry courtesy of the citizenship imbroglio.Liberal Scott Ryan will be the new president of the Senate after the departure of Stephen Parry courtesy of the citizenship imbroglio.
Ryan, who was special minister of state before this appointment, is expected be elected to the post shortly.Ryan, who was special minister of state before this appointment, is expected be elected to the post shortly.
The Greens are also putting up a candidate for the position, Tasmanian Peter Whish-Wilson.The Greens are also putting up a candidate for the position, Tasmanian Peter Whish-Wilson.
It’s been busy in the chamber already this morning. Three new senators have been sworn in by the governor-general: One Nation’s Fraser Anning, and Greens Jordan Steele-John and Andrew Bartlett.It’s been busy in the chamber already this morning. Three new senators have been sworn in by the governor-general: One Nation’s Fraser Anning, and Greens Jordan Steele-John and Andrew Bartlett.
Folks following the citizenship debacle over recent weeks will know that the major parties have been haggling in unseemly fashion over a new disclosure system to ensure parliamentarians comply with the eligibility requirements of the constitution.Folks following the citizenship debacle over recent weeks will know that the major parties have been haggling in unseemly fashion over a new disclosure system to ensure parliamentarians comply with the eligibility requirements of the constitution.
A subset of this haggling has been legal advices at 20 paces, which is connected to threats at various times that various people will be referred to the high court outside the normal conventions where the parliament refers by consensus, rather than on partisan interests.A subset of this haggling has been legal advices at 20 paces, which is connected to threats at various times that various people will be referred to the high court outside the normal conventions where the parliament refers by consensus, rather than on partisan interests.
Over the weekend, the government made various threats about referring Labor people to the high court, perhaps forgetting momentarily that it lacks the numbers in the lower house to do anything at all without the support of one crossbencher.Over the weekend, the government made various threats about referring Labor people to the high court, perhaps forgetting momentarily that it lacks the numbers in the lower house to do anything at all without the support of one crossbencher.
As a prelude to the tough talk, the government produced an opinion from David Bennett QC that three MPs – the NXT’s Rebekha Sharkie, and Labor’s Justine Keay and Susan Lamb – weren’t eligible to sit in parliament because they were British citizens when they nominated.As a prelude to the tough talk, the government produced an opinion from David Bennett QC that three MPs – the NXT’s Rebekha Sharkie, and Labor’s Justine Keay and Susan Lamb – weren’t eligible to sit in parliament because they were British citizens when they nominated.
Today Labor has produced a contrary opinion from Peter Hanks QC. It says: “On the factual assumptions made by Mr Bennett QC, which are incomplete, there is no basis, consistent with Re Canavan, for any argument that Justine Keay, Susan Lamb or Rebekha Sharkie are incapable of being chose or of sitting as a ... member of the House of Representatives under s 44(1) of the constitution.”Today Labor has produced a contrary opinion from Peter Hanks QC. It says: “On the factual assumptions made by Mr Bennett QC, which are incomplete, there is no basis, consistent with Re Canavan, for any argument that Justine Keay, Susan Lamb or Rebekha Sharkie are incapable of being chose or of sitting as a ... member of the House of Representatives under s 44(1) of the constitution.”
The Hanks opinion says all three lodged a declaration of renunciation of British citizenship with the relevant UK authority before submitting their nominations.The Hanks opinion says all three lodged a declaration of renunciation of British citizenship with the relevant UK authority before submitting their nominations.
Labor has been relying on the argument that its folks took reasonable steps to fix up the dual citizenships, where as various government MPs took no steps.Labor has been relying on the argument that its folks took reasonable steps to fix up the dual citizenships, where as various government MPs took no steps.
The duelling legal advices rather underscore the basic layman’s point that each position is arguable, and probably the best way to resolve the standoff is to put a number of people before the high court and let the good justices sort it out.The duelling legal advices rather underscore the basic layman’s point that each position is arguable, and probably the best way to resolve the standoff is to put a number of people before the high court and let the good justices sort it out.
But perhaps that’s just me.But perhaps that’s just me.
One Nation has declared it will not vote on contentious legislation until the citizenship status of everyone in parliament is known. That, obviously, would include the same-sex marriage bill.One Nation has declared it will not vote on contentious legislation until the citizenship status of everyone in parliament is known. That, obviously, would include the same-sex marriage bill.
@PaulineHansonOz and sarahinthesen8 debate the dual citizenship crisis as Senator Hanson says she won't pass legislation due to the crisis. pic.twitter.com/pJlJvvib22@PaulineHansonOz and sarahinthesen8 debate the dual citizenship crisis as Senator Hanson says she won't pass legislation due to the crisis. pic.twitter.com/pJlJvvib22
The opposition leader, Bill Shorten ,has just addressed the Labor caucus, declaring the party has “nothing to hide” on citizenship. Shorten said Labor had done its homework on the eligibility of its members and had legal advice that two in-doubt members, Justine Keay and Susan Lamb, were safe.The opposition leader, Bill Shorten ,has just addressed the Labor caucus, declaring the party has “nothing to hide” on citizenship. Shorten said Labor had done its homework on the eligibility of its members and had legal advice that two in-doubt members, Justine Keay and Susan Lamb, were safe.
“I do not doubt the extent of the loss of faith of the Australian people in the government and through the government’s ineptitude in the parliament,” he said.“I do not doubt the extent of the loss of faith of the Australian people in the government and through the government’s ineptitude in the parliament,” he said.
“We are prepared to work with the government to resolve this crisis and we are prepared to do this in a timely matter which restores people’s confidence.”“We are prepared to work with the government to resolve this crisis and we are prepared to do this in a timely matter which restores people’s confidence.”
Labor also rallied the troops ahead of the byelection in Bennelong, while conceding that the opposition would have a tough time overturning the Liberal margin of almost 10%.Labor also rallied the troops ahead of the byelection in Bennelong, while conceding that the opposition would have a tough time overturning the Liberal margin of almost 10%.
He signalled Labor would again pressure the employment minister, Michaelia Cash, over her office’s tip-off to media about a raid on the Australian Workers Union offices.He signalled Labor would again pressure the employment minister, Michaelia Cash, over her office’s tip-off to media about a raid on the Australian Workers Union offices.
“We do need to find out what she knew, we find out when she knew it and we need to find out when she told Malcolm Turnbull,” he said.“We do need to find out what she knew, we find out when she knew it and we need to find out when she told Malcolm Turnbull,” he said.
“This is a minister who for years has traded out and dined out on lecturing UnionsACT [on] transparency and accountability.”“This is a minister who for years has traded out and dined out on lecturing UnionsACT [on] transparency and accountability.”
A bit earlier this morning the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, conceded what has been painfully obvious to you, me and anyone else with a fleeting interest in politics: it’s been a tough few weeks for the government.A bit earlier this morning the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, conceded what has been painfully obvious to you, me and anyone else with a fleeting interest in politics: it’s been a tough few weeks for the government.
“We’ve had a difficult couple of weeks, there’s no kidding ourselves, and it’s a difficult position for the government,” he told the ABC.“We’ve had a difficult couple of weeks, there’s no kidding ourselves, and it’s a difficult position for the government,” he told the ABC.
You’re not wrong, Mathias. But the finance minister sees light on the horizon.You’re not wrong, Mathias. But the finance minister sees light on the horizon.
The byelection in New England, where the Nationals are in a strong position, is less than three weeks away.The byelection in New England, where the Nationals are in a strong position, is less than three weeks away.
There is a chance the other vote in Bennelong could be resolved before Christmas. In normal circumstances both seats would be won back by the government. But I don’t know too many people who’d use “normal” to describe the state of our current parliament.There is a chance the other vote in Bennelong could be resolved before Christmas. In normal circumstances both seats would be won back by the government. But I don’t know too many people who’d use “normal” to describe the state of our current parliament.
Labor is running a candidate in Bennelong, and was already out on the hustings on Sunday, trying to capitalise on the electorate’s increasing ethnic diversity. It warned of the impact of the government’s stalled citizenship changes, which would introduce a more onerous English language test, and of the potential for a Liberal-One Nation preference deal.Labor is running a candidate in Bennelong, and was already out on the hustings on Sunday, trying to capitalise on the electorate’s increasing ethnic diversity. It warned of the impact of the government’s stalled citizenship changes, which would introduce a more onerous English language test, and of the potential for a Liberal-One Nation preference deal.
There’s a lot happening in the Senate later this morning.There’s a lot happening in the Senate later this morning.
The governor-general, General Sir Peter Cosgrove, is expected to attend parliament to swear in three new, replacement senators.The governor-general, General Sir Peter Cosgrove, is expected to attend parliament to swear in three new, replacement senators.
They include West Australian Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, a disability rights advocate who will become Australia’s youngest ever senator, aged 23. He will replace Greens senator Scott Ludlam, the first senator to be caught up in the citizenship scandal.They include West Australian Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, a disability rights advocate who will become Australia’s youngest ever senator, aged 23. He will replace Greens senator Scott Ludlam, the first senator to be caught up in the citizenship scandal.
The other two are Andrew Bartlett, for the Greens, and One Nation’s Fraser Anning.The other two are Andrew Bartlett, for the Greens, and One Nation’s Fraser Anning.
Once the senators are sworn in, the Senate will elect a new president.Once the senators are sworn in, the Senate will elect a new president.
The successful candidate will take the chair, proceedings will be suspended for a short time, and the new Senate will be presented to the governor-general.The successful candidate will take the chair, proceedings will be suspended for a short time, and the new Senate will be presented to the governor-general.
A reminder that only the Senate is sitting this week.A reminder that only the Senate is sitting this week.
Back to citizenship, temporarily. Doubts exist over two Labor MPs, Justine Keay and Susan Lamb, and NXT’s Rebekha Sharkie. Turnbull has accused Labor of running a protection racket for them.Back to citizenship, temporarily. Doubts exist over two Labor MPs, Justine Keay and Susan Lamb, and NXT’s Rebekha Sharkie. Turnbull has accused Labor of running a protection racket for them.
On Sunday, Labor threatened to “go nuclear” if the government attempted to refer its MPs to the high court. It pointed to doubts over Liberal MPs Julia Banks, Nola Marino and or Alex Hawke.On Sunday, Labor threatened to “go nuclear” if the government attempted to refer its MPs to the high court. It pointed to doubts over Liberal MPs Julia Banks, Nola Marino and or Alex Hawke.
Labor has now released legal advice showing that Keay, Lamb and Sharkie are not in danger.Labor has now released legal advice showing that Keay, Lamb and Sharkie are not in danger.
Liberal MP Angus Taylor dismissed that legal opinion on Monday.Liberal MP Angus Taylor dismissed that legal opinion on Monday.
“The decision that matters is the decision of the high court. Bill Shorten has simply been hiding dual citizens in the basement,” Taylor told Sky News.“The decision that matters is the decision of the high court. Bill Shorten has simply been hiding dual citizens in the basement,” Taylor told Sky News.
I mentioned earlier that a new bill on same-sex marriage has been proposed by James Paterson in the lead-up to the release of the poll survey results on Wednesday. My colleague Paul Karp has written a piece on the contents of the Paterson bill, which allows for wide-ranging discrimination against same-sex weddings. This morning the deputy opposition leader, Tanya Plibersek, described Paterson as a “frontman” for conservatives.I mentioned earlier that a new bill on same-sex marriage has been proposed by James Paterson in the lead-up to the release of the poll survey results on Wednesday. My colleague Paul Karp has written a piece on the contents of the Paterson bill, which allows for wide-ranging discrimination against same-sex weddings. This morning the deputy opposition leader, Tanya Plibersek, described Paterson as a “frontman” for conservatives.
The education minister, Simon Birmingham, has just said he will support the original bill put forward by a moderate, Dean Smith. Birmingham has warned against introducing “other forms of discrimination” if same-sex marriage is introduced.The education minister, Simon Birmingham, has just said he will support the original bill put forward by a moderate, Dean Smith. Birmingham has warned against introducing “other forms of discrimination” if same-sex marriage is introduced.
“I remain of the belief that Dean Smith’s bill is the appropriate and logical starting point for any debate,” he told Sky News. “James Paterson or any other member or senator is absolutely free then to bring to the parliament any amendments that they so choose.”“I remain of the belief that Dean Smith’s bill is the appropriate and logical starting point for any debate,” he told Sky News. “James Paterson or any other member or senator is absolutely free then to bring to the parliament any amendments that they so choose.”
Birmingham also said the issue ought to be dealt with quickly and decisively if the survey returns a yes result.Birmingham also said the issue ought to be dealt with quickly and decisively if the survey returns a yes result.
Welcome to another week in parliament, blog fans. It’s Christopher Knaus here filling in for Amy Remeikis, who is up in Queensland on the campaign trail in that state’s election. I’ll be carrying you through what is expected to be an intense week for the government.Welcome to another week in parliament, blog fans. It’s Christopher Knaus here filling in for Amy Remeikis, who is up in Queensland on the campaign trail in that state’s election. I’ll be carrying you through what is expected to be an intense week for the government.
Malcolm Turnbull, fresh from losing the government’s majority, wakes up today to find a Newspoll showing a significant drop in his popularity. He is down five points in the preferred prime minister stakes, narrowing the gap between him and Bill Shorten to just two points.Malcolm Turnbull, fresh from losing the government’s majority, wakes up today to find a Newspoll showing a significant drop in his popularity. He is down five points in the preferred prime minister stakes, narrowing the gap between him and Bill Shorten to just two points.
The citizenship cloud continues to hang over parliament. Three replacement senators are expected to be sworn in this morning after they were declared elected by order of the high court. A new Senate president will also be announced to replace Stephen Parry, who was forced out of parliament this month.The citizenship cloud continues to hang over parliament. Three replacement senators are expected to be sworn in this morning after they were declared elected by order of the high court. A new Senate president will also be announced to replace Stephen Parry, who was forced out of parliament this month.
This all comes days out from the release of results from the same-sex marriage postal survey. Those results will be announced on Wednesday morning. Already a second private member’s bill is being proposed by the Liberal senator James Paterson as an alternative to the bill proposed by a moderate, Dean Smith. The draft of Paterson’s bill has been released. It is designed to beef up protections on freedom of speech and allow a limited form of conscientious objection.This all comes days out from the release of results from the same-sex marriage postal survey. Those results will be announced on Wednesday morning. Already a second private member’s bill is being proposed by the Liberal senator James Paterson as an alternative to the bill proposed by a moderate, Dean Smith. The draft of Paterson’s bill has been released. It is designed to beef up protections on freedom of speech and allow a limited form of conscientious objection.
So it’s set to be quite a day. Strap yourselves in.So it’s set to be quite a day. Strap yourselves in.