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Peter Dutton calls for second leadership spill amid chaos in Canberra – politics live Peter Dutton calls for second leadership spill amid chaos in Canberra – politics live
(35 minutes later)
More movement outside Turnbull’s office. Guardian Australia reporter, Gareth Hutchens, says Mathias Cormann, Michaelia Cash, and Mitch Fifield have just walked out together. This is potentially important. Cormann is a crucial player in all of this. He’s a senior cabinet minister, currently loyal to Turnbull, but good friends with Dutton. If he switches sides, it will be a bitter blow for Turnbull.
Hutchens reports the trio “walked side by side, in the traditional ‘show of force’ stride”.
Chris Uhlmann, Nine’s political correspondent, has launched an extraordinary broadside against elements of News Corp and 2GB for their role in fomenting the current crisis. He says the Turnbull camp believes News Corp and 2GB are waging a war against the prime minister.
Uhlmann labels elements within those media companies as “bullies”.
Apparently, if you say that to them now, they get their knickers into a huge twist. Now if they want to be players in this game ... if they are making phone calls to people, trying to push people over the line, they are part of this story. All I’m saying is, if they want to dish it out, they should be prepared to take it. They are among the biggest bullies in the land, and it’s about time people called them out for what they are. And if they don’t like that, they can come after me.
Ouch.
"News corporations...are waging a war against the Prime Minister of Australia" - @CUhlmann #9Today pic.twitter.com/UaQBLTv0bQ
There’s been a fair bit of movement in and around the prime minister’s office this morning. My colleague, Gareth Hutchens, is down near the ministerial wing, monitoring developments.
He’s just watched Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison leave a meeting in the PM’s office.
Martin Parkinson, the secretary of the department of prime minister and cabinet, has walked in a few minutes ago.
A conservative tells me there’s something of a Catch 22 in play right at the minute.
According to this account, several people who say they support Peter Dutton aren’t prepared to sign the petition.
They are telling number crunchers they will vote for him in a spill, but not commit their name to paper. My informant put the number of non-signees in the order of 15 MPs. If this is correct, and the dam doesn’t break over the course of the day, we are in a Mexican standoff.
A senior Turnbull backer insists there will be no meeting until there are 43 names on a petition, and no meeting with a challenger “under a constitutional cloud”.
Speaking of Kevin Rudd, he’s entered the current fracas to offer a warning.
I’m sure we all remember Dutton walking out as Rudd delivered his apology to the stolen generations. For that reason alone, Rudd says Dutton should never by prime minister.
A grown man, experienced politician who knew what he was doing - sending a dog-whistle to racist sentiment. A question of character. For this reason alone, he should never be Prime Minister
Dutton was an MP for 7 years and was 38 when he boycotted the apology to first Australians. A grown man, experienced politician who knew what he was doing - sending a dog-whistle to racist sentiment. A question of character.For this reason alone, he should never be Prime Minister
So, the crucial question. Where are we at with this petition? The numbers are still very, very unclear. It’s thought Dutton would need 43 signatures to overwhelm Turnbull and force him into a party room meeting, which would then force a second ballot for the leadership.
Is it a bluff? Well, Turnbull certainly thinks so. You’ll remember he’s already called for Dutton to put up or shut up. He’s saying “show me evidence of the petition and the required signatures, and I’ll call a meeting”.
Dutton is yet to do that, but he did intimate a little earlier that he wouldn’t have called for a second meeting if he didn’t have the numbers.
We spoke last night about the history of this tactic. It has been used in an underhanded way in the past, so we need to be careful.
When Rudd took the leadership from Gillard, rumours of a petition were intentionally circulated through the press gallery. It was enough to scare Gillard into a party room meeting and facilitate a successful challenge, securing Rudd power. The petition never materialised.
In this case, we have more confidence that the petition exists. Multiple sources have assured us they have laid actual eyes on the petition. Jane Prentice, a Liberal MP and Turnbull backer, said publicly that the petition existed, and that when she saw it last night it had nine signatures.
Right, well. In case you were under any illusion, the Coalition is now tearing itself to shreds in full public glare, rather than in the shadows.
In the space of about five minutes, we’ve heard strong words from two Coalition MPs. Not backgrounding, no anonymous quoting. Just full-on attacks in the public sphere.
Nationals MP Michelle Landry said:
I do think that this is Tony Abbott and his mates who are doing this, and it’s a disgrace. It’s revenge on him losing the prime ministership and I’ve had enough, my electorate has had enough. If they’re going to change, do it today, let us get on with the job.
Liberal MP Sarah Henderson said she was offered a ministry to move to Dutton’s camp.
To be rewarded for an act of treachery would be a terrible thing.
Liberal MP Sarah Henderson tells Melbourne radio that she was offered a ministry in exchange for switching to Peter Dutton.'To be rewarded for an act of treachery would be a terrible thing," she said.#auspol #libspill
Senior Labor figures hit the airwaves this morning, seeking to heap pressure on Dutton over the eligibility question.Senior Labor figures hit the airwaves this morning, seeking to heap pressure on Dutton over the eligibility question.
Tony Burke, manager of opposition business, said:Tony Burke, manager of opposition business, said:
There are really serious question marks over whether or not the man who wants to be Prime Minister of Australia later on today is even eligible to be a member of Parliament. There are really serious question marks over whether or not the man who wants to be prime minister of Australia later on today is even eligible to be a member of Parliament.
And this is because of his financial interests. The constitution’s clear, you can’t be taking cash for your business from the Government and at the same time be a member of Parliament. And so there are really serious questions to answer here. And this is because of his financial interests. The constitution’s clear, you can’t be taking cash for your business from the government and at the same time be a member of Parliament. And so there are really serious questions to answer here.
Progressive forces are already marshalling against Dutton, and GetUp has played a significant role. Earlier this week, the group released focus group research and polling that showed Dutton lacked support and was a relative unknown among voters.Progressive forces are already marshalling against Dutton, and GetUp has played a significant role. Earlier this week, the group released focus group research and polling that showed Dutton lacked support and was a relative unknown among voters.
GetUp has now come to parliament. They’re planning an event at 10am. They are gathering with human rights activists with photos of the children still on Nauru. Dutton this week said he was proud of having removed children from detention. GetUP calls this a “lie”.GetUp has now come to parliament. They’re planning an event at 10am. They are gathering with human rights activists with photos of the children still on Nauru. Dutton this week said he was proud of having removed children from detention. GetUP calls this a “lie”.
Shen Narayanasamy, GetUp’s human rights advocate, said Dutton needed to acknowledge the truth. She said:Shen Narayanasamy, GetUp’s human rights advocate, said Dutton needed to acknowledge the truth. She said:
Backbencher Peter Dutton said he had every child out of detention, but after 5 long years there are still 116 children detained offshore on Nauru. 40 of them were born behind bars.Backbencher Peter Dutton said he had every child out of detention, but after 5 long years there are still 116 children detained offshore on Nauru. 40 of them were born behind bars.
The only life these children have known are guards shouting, steel fences, and unending detention on a tiny island the size of Melbourne’s airport. Where they’re called by a number, not even a name.The only life these children have known are guards shouting, steel fences, and unending detention on a tiny island the size of Melbourne’s airport. Where they’re called by a number, not even a name.
Human rights groups set deadline to get all refugee children off Nauru writes @heldavidson https://t.co/Mq483lHA3THuman rights groups set deadline to get all refugee children off Nauru writes @heldavidson https://t.co/Mq483lHA3T
And more on Dutton’s eligibility. This is from George Williams, one of the most esteemed constitutional experts in the country. He’s read the advice commissioned by Labor and prepared by Bret Walker, SC. Williams is unequivocal.And more on Dutton’s eligibility. This is from George Williams, one of the most esteemed constitutional experts in the country. He’s read the advice commissioned by Labor and prepared by Bret Walker, SC. Williams is unequivocal.
It is clear that Peter Dutton should be referred to the high court. There is a real prospect that a person seeking to be our PM has breached section 44 of the constitution and is disqualified from parliament.It is clear that Peter Dutton should be referred to the high court. There is a real prospect that a person seeking to be our PM has breached section 44 of the constitution and is disqualified from parliament.
What does this mean in practical terms? Well, it requires parliament to refer Dutton to the high court, and that’s highly unlikely. What it does do, however, is put more doubt in the minds of those Coalition MPs sitting on the fence in this leadership tussle.What does this mean in practical terms? Well, it requires parliament to refer Dutton to the high court, and that’s highly unlikely. What it does do, however, is put more doubt in the minds of those Coalition MPs sitting on the fence in this leadership tussle.
Can they side with a leader who may not even be eligible for parliament?Can they side with a leader who may not even be eligible for parliament?
Having read the advice by Bret Walker SC, it is clear that Peter Dutton should be referred to the High Court. There is a real prospect that a person seeking to be our PM has breached section 44 of the Constitution and is disqualified from Parliament.https://t.co/n2fNxJjXuqHaving read the advice by Bret Walker SC, it is clear that Peter Dutton should be referred to the High Court. There is a real prospect that a person seeking to be our PM has breached section 44 of the Constitution and is disqualified from Parliament.https://t.co/n2fNxJjXuq
Just a little more on Peter Dutton’s legal advice. He sought it in December last year, so this whole issue has been in play for a long, long time.Just a little more on Peter Dutton’s legal advice. He sought it in December last year, so this whole issue has been in play for a long, long time.
Are you still struggling to work out what this is all about? I’ll try to break it down. You’ll remember that earlier this week serious questions were raised about Turnbull’s eligibility for parliament.Are you still struggling to work out what this is all about? I’ll try to break it down. You’ll remember that earlier this week serious questions were raised about Turnbull’s eligibility for parliament.
Dutton’s problem lies in a section of the constitution (section 44 [v]) that bars MPs from holding a financial interest in the federal government. In this case, it’s alleged that Dutton’s family trust owned a childcare company that was receiving millions in government subsidies renders him ineligible.Dutton’s problem lies in a section of the constitution (section 44 [v]) that bars MPs from holding a financial interest in the federal government. In this case, it’s alleged that Dutton’s family trust owned a childcare company that was receiving millions in government subsidies renders him ineligible.
Dutton has released his own legal advice, which amounts to two pages. It finds he is in the clear because Dutton’s trust did not have a formal agreement - of the kind referred to in the constitution- with the government to receive the subsidies. What they’re saying, in essence, is that the payments were made under a statutory scheme that required no formal contract with Dutton or his trust.Dutton has released his own legal advice, which amounts to two pages. It finds he is in the clear because Dutton’s trust did not have a formal agreement - of the kind referred to in the constitution- with the government to receive the subsidies. What they’re saying, in essence, is that the payments were made under a statutory scheme that required no formal contract with Dutton or his trust.
In the present instance, there is, in my opinion, no “agreement” within the meaning of s.44 (v) to which the trustee company is a party. The only relevant rights which are created are species of statutory entitlement. Accordingly, Mr Dutton cannot have a pecuniary interest in an agreement within the meaning of s.44(v) by virtue of the trustee company’s receipt of payments under this statutory scheme.In the present instance, there is, in my opinion, no “agreement” within the meaning of s.44 (v) to which the trustee company is a party. The only relevant rights which are created are species of statutory entitlement. Accordingly, Mr Dutton cannot have a pecuniary interest in an agreement within the meaning of s.44(v) by virtue of the trustee company’s receipt of payments under this statutory scheme.
The advice, as I say, is only two pages. The lawyer who authored it is not a well-known constitutional expert.The advice, as I say, is only two pages. The lawyer who authored it is not a well-known constitutional expert.
On the other hand, two of Australia’s leading constitutional minds, Anne Twomey and George Williams, have both said Dutton has a case to answer.On the other hand, two of Australia’s leading constitutional minds, Anne Twomey and George Williams, have both said Dutton has a case to answer.
Labor also commissioned legal advice from another very senior legal figure, Bret Walker, SC, who found Dutton was arguably ineligible for parliament. Walker’s opinion was more exhaustive and voluminous. It stretches out to about 16 pages.Labor also commissioned legal advice from another very senior legal figure, Bret Walker, SC, who found Dutton was arguably ineligible for parliament. Walker’s opinion was more exhaustive and voluminous. It stretches out to about 16 pages.
This all appears to be part of the Dutton camp’s strategy. Keep things moving. Keep the pressure on Turnbull. Try to force him into a party room meeting.This all appears to be part of the Dutton camp’s strategy. Keep things moving. Keep the pressure on Turnbull. Try to force him into a party room meeting.
We saw similar tactics last night. Turnbull is, so far, remaining firm. They are confident they still have the numbers.We saw similar tactics last night. Turnbull is, so far, remaining firm. They are confident they still have the numbers.
One of Turnbull’s key backers, Trent Zimmerman, spoke a little earlier. He said he is aware of no one who has switched to Dutton’s camp since Tuesday. In fact, he says all we’ve seen is some of the cabinet ministers who offered their resignations since re-affirm their loyalty to Turnbull.One of Turnbull’s key backers, Trent Zimmerman, spoke a little earlier. He said he is aware of no one who has switched to Dutton’s camp since Tuesday. In fact, he says all we’ve seen is some of the cabinet ministers who offered their resignations since re-affirm their loyalty to Turnbull.
I’m not aware of anyone who’s changed their views since Tuesday’s party room meeting.I’m not aware of anyone who’s changed their views since Tuesday’s party room meeting.
Does Turnbull have the numbers?Does Turnbull have the numbers?
I’m confident that that’s the case, since Tuesday we’ve obviously also seen strong statement of support from those cabinet ministers that voted for Peter Dutton on Tuesday.I’m confident that that’s the case, since Tuesday we’ve obviously also seen strong statement of support from those cabinet ministers that voted for Peter Dutton on Tuesday.
Blink and you’ll have missed it. Dutton’s press conference was incredibly brief.Blink and you’ll have missed it. Dutton’s press conference was incredibly brief.
He confirmed only that he asked for a second leadership spill.He confirmed only that he asked for a second leadership spill.
I’m going to address the media later on. As I put out, by way of statement earlier, earlier this morning I called the prime minister to advise him that it was my judgement that the majority of the party room no longer supported his leadership. As such, I asked him to convene a meeting of the Liberal party at which I would challenge for the leadership of the parliamentary Liberal party. Thank you very much.I’m going to address the media later on. As I put out, by way of statement earlier, earlier this morning I called the prime minister to advise him that it was my judgement that the majority of the party room no longer supported his leadership. As such, I asked him to convene a meeting of the Liberal party at which I would challenge for the leadership of the parliamentary Liberal party. Thank you very much.
Peter Dutton has just released his own legal advice on his eligibility for parliament. It finds him eligible for parliament. In an accompanying statement, he says the campaign against his eligibility is “spurious and baseless”.Peter Dutton has just released his own legal advice on his eligibility for parliament. It finds him eligible for parliament. In an accompanying statement, he says the campaign against his eligibility is “spurious and baseless”.
Over recent days a spurious and baseless campaign has been conducted against me in relation to an alleged breach of section 44 of the constitution.Over recent days a spurious and baseless campaign has been conducted against me in relation to an alleged breach of section 44 of the constitution.
The timing on the eve of current events in Australian politics is curious.The timing on the eve of current events in Australian politics is curious.
There has never been any doubt about my eligibility to sit in the Parliament and I attach the unequivocal legal advice I obtained in 2017 to that effect.There has never been any doubt about my eligibility to sit in the Parliament and I attach the unequivocal legal advice I obtained in 2017 to that effect.
Earlier, he said he told the prime minister that he no longer supported his leadership and again called for a party room meeting.Earlier, he said he told the prime minister that he no longer supported his leadership and again called for a party room meeting.
A few minutes ago I spoke with Malcolm Turnbull to advise him I believed the majority of the party room no longer supported his leadership. Accordingly, I asked him to convene a party room meeting at which I would challenge for the leadership of the Parliamentary Liberal Party.A few minutes ago I spoke with Malcolm Turnbull to advise him I believed the majority of the party room no longer supported his leadership. Accordingly, I asked him to convene a party room meeting at which I would challenge for the leadership of the Parliamentary Liberal Party.
There have significant other developments in this moving feats this morning.There have significant other developments in this moving feats this morning.
Kevin Hogan, a Nationals MP, has said he will move to the crossbench under a Dutton government. He would still guarantee supply and confidence to the Coalition, he said. That reduces the threat of an early election for Dutton.Kevin Hogan, a Nationals MP, has said he will move to the crossbench under a Dutton government. He would still guarantee supply and confidence to the Coalition, he said. That reduces the threat of an early election for Dutton.
Zed Seselja, a junior minister and Dutton backer, has insisted his resignation be accepted by Turnbull. The resignation has been acceptedZed Seselja, a junior minister and Dutton backer, has insisted his resignation be accepted by Turnbull. The resignation has been accepted
Michael Sukkar, a key player in the rebellion and Dutton backer, has also insisted his resignation be accepted. The resignation has been accepted.Michael Sukkar, a key player in the rebellion and Dutton backer, has also insisted his resignation be accepted. The resignation has been accepted.
The PM has notified the Governor-General he has accepted the resignations of Michael Sukkar & Zed Seselja #auspolThe PM has notified the Governor-General he has accepted the resignations of Michael Sukkar & Zed Seselja #auspol
Dutton has immediately hit back. Things are already moving at a cracking pace.Dutton has immediately hit back. Things are already moving at a cracking pace.
He has called a press conference. It is due imminently. We’ll bring you that as soon as it happens.He has called a press conference. It is due imminently. We’ll bring you that as soon as it happens.
Guardian Australia understands the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and Peter Dutton, have spoken this morning.Guardian Australia understands the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and Peter Dutton, have spoken this morning.
The prime minister has told Dutton he needs to see evidence of the requisite number of signatures before calling a party room meeting, at which the leadership ballot would be held. Dutton has not provided such evidence.The prime minister has told Dutton he needs to see evidence of the requisite number of signatures before calling a party room meeting, at which the leadership ballot would be held. Dutton has not provided such evidence.
Good morning, and welcome to another day of chaos in Canberra.Good morning, and welcome to another day of chaos in Canberra.
It’s Christopher Knaus here, ready to take you through what promises to be another day of heady leadership machinations.It’s Christopher Knaus here, ready to take you through what promises to be another day of heady leadership machinations.
Things are moving quickly already this morning.Things are moving quickly already this morning.
We’re learning that Peter Dutton has spoken with the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to request another party room meeting.We’re learning that Peter Dutton has spoken with the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to request another party room meeting.
“A few minutes ago I spoke with Malcolm Turnbull to advise him I believed the majority of the party room no longer supported his leadership,” he wrote on Twitter.“A few minutes ago I spoke with Malcolm Turnbull to advise him I believed the majority of the party room no longer supported his leadership,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Accordingly, I asked him to convene a party room meeting at which I would challenge for the leadership of the Parliamentary Liberal Party.”“Accordingly, I asked him to convene a party room meeting at which I would challenge for the leadership of the Parliamentary Liberal Party.”
After failing to force a second leadership spill last night, Peter Dutton’s camp is beating the drum already this morning. We’re learning that conservative Senator Zed Seselja - one of the group of MPs who tried to quit the front bench after the spill on Monday - is now urging the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to accept his resignation.After failing to force a second leadership spill last night, Peter Dutton’s camp is beating the drum already this morning. We’re learning that conservative Senator Zed Seselja - one of the group of MPs who tried to quit the front bench after the spill on Monday - is now urging the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to accept his resignation.
On the other side another Nationals member, this time New South Wales MP Kevin Hogan, has said he will sit on the crossbench if there is a leadership change.On the other side another Nationals member, this time New South Wales MP Kevin Hogan, has said he will sit on the crossbench if there is a leadership change.
Hogan has said he would still vote against motions of no confidence against the government and provide supply, but it sends a strong message. Here’s what happened yesterday:Hogan has said he would still vote against motions of no confidence against the government and provide supply, but it sends a strong message. Here’s what happened yesterday:
Late on Wednesday evening backers of Peter Dutton began circulating a petition to force a party room meeting. The push was unsuccessful, and the number of signatures remain unclear. We do know that it exists, though, which is something. A party room meeting can either take place tomorrow or in the next sitting period in September. The Liberal MP Jane Prentice said she thought the petition had about nine signatures on it yesterday evening. Estimates on the numbers have varied wildly.Late on Wednesday evening backers of Peter Dutton began circulating a petition to force a party room meeting. The push was unsuccessful, and the number of signatures remain unclear. We do know that it exists, though, which is something. A party room meeting can either take place tomorrow or in the next sitting period in September. The Liberal MP Jane Prentice said she thought the petition had about nine signatures on it yesterday evening. Estimates on the numbers have varied wildly.
Earlier, Dutton outlined a policy manifesto as he pitched himself as an alternative leader. One of his policies was removing the GST from energy bills for families and pensioners. The idea was widely ridiculed as an unworkable “thought bubble” and “piecemeal”. The Treasurer Scott Morrison, who is digging in with Turnbull, said it would be a budget “blower”.Earlier, Dutton outlined a policy manifesto as he pitched himself as an alternative leader. One of his policies was removing the GST from energy bills for families and pensioners. The idea was widely ridiculed as an unworkable “thought bubble” and “piecemeal”. The Treasurer Scott Morrison, who is digging in with Turnbull, said it would be a budget “blower”.
Dutton also confirmed he was still working the phones, trying to drum up enough support for a second tilt at the leadership.Dutton also confirmed he was still working the phones, trying to drum up enough support for a second tilt at the leadership.
James McGrath became the third frontbencher to resign from cabinet, following Dutton and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells. McGrath is a former Turnbull insider. His loss is significant. As I mentioned, he’s now joined by Seselja and the earlier resignation of Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.James McGrath became the third frontbencher to resign from cabinet, following Dutton and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells. McGrath is a former Turnbull insider. His loss is significant. As I mentioned, he’s now joined by Seselja and the earlier resignation of Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.
Turnbull, meanwhile, tried desperately to keep his cabinet together and stare down the rebels. He appeared alongside the treasurer, Scott Morrison, and the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, two figures of authority within the Coalition, and said that those who had previously offered their resignations had since re-pledged their loyalty to him.Turnbull, meanwhile, tried desperately to keep his cabinet together and stare down the rebels. He appeared alongside the treasurer, Scott Morrison, and the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, two figures of authority within the Coalition, and said that those who had previously offered their resignations had since re-pledged their loyalty to him.
Amid all of this, questions about Dutton’s eligibility for parliament have continued to swirl. Labor went hard on the issue during question time, before Turnbull referred the matter to the solicitor general for consideration. Late on Wednesday, Labor released advice from Bret Walker, SC, suggesting Dutton was not eligible for election and therefore not eligible to sit in the current parliament.Amid all of this, questions about Dutton’s eligibility for parliament have continued to swirl. Labor went hard on the issue during question time, before Turnbull referred the matter to the solicitor general for consideration. Late on Wednesday, Labor released advice from Bret Walker, SC, suggesting Dutton was not eligible for election and therefore not eligible to sit in the current parliament.
Tony Abbott denied doing any deal to secure a cabinet position under a Dutton government.Tony Abbott denied doing any deal to secure a cabinet position under a Dutton government.
The Coalition has dumped two policies, one of which was a key part of its agenda. The corporate tax cut bill was blocked in the Senate, and Turnbull said it would not be taken to the next election. The government also said it would stop trying to repeal the energy supplement, a payment to low-income welfare recipients to help with energy costs.The Coalition has dumped two policies, one of which was a key part of its agenda. The corporate tax cut bill was blocked in the Senate, and Turnbull said it would not be taken to the next election. The government also said it would stop trying to repeal the energy supplement, a payment to low-income welfare recipients to help with energy costs.