Member for Indi Cathy McGowan dismissed Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie’s accusation she didn’t use her vote to refer Labor members to the High Court – and the record shows it.
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Ms McGowan said the cross bench voted to refer nine members to the High Court over their citizenship when it was put to a vote on December 6, the government voted against it and the motion was defeated by Speaker Tony Smith's casting vote.
“It was the Coalition which voted against this referral motion and effectively stopped any referrals occurring,” Ms McGowan said.
“Any members with questions over their citizenship status should self-refer. The High Court sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns is the only place which can make a definitive ruling.
“Contrary to Senator McKenzie’s statement, it is the cross bench which has taken a lead role in acting with integrity to sort this out, by calling on the government and opposition to put forward a genuinely fair and bi-partisan approach.”