Declaring her position in public for the first time, Ms Banks told Fairfax Media she believed it was “very clear” Dutton had a case to answer based on the legal advice prepared in the week he sought to become prime minister.
“I think Peter Dutton should do the decent thing and refer himself to the High Court,” she said.
“I believe he has a higher duty to do the right thing.”
Ms Banks has avoided direct comment on the matter for weeks but is now prepared to vote for the referral along with other crossbenchers, forcing the matter if the government does not accept the need for the court to examine the case.
Mr Dutton has rejected the concerns over his eligibility under section 44 of the constitution as a Labor campaign.
“These issues are being raised for political purposes. It was raised, as I say, by the Labor Party in October of last year and they didn’t raise it again so I am very confident in my position,” he said last month.
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne this week insisted Mr Dutton was clear of any doubts over his status and that anyone who tried to force the referral should also accept the referral of others who might face questions.
Mr Pyne named crossbencher Kerryn Phelps as one of those in doubt, along with Labor MPs Mike Freelander and Tony Zappia.
https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/julia-banks-breaks-silence-on-peter-dutton-high-court-referral-20181130-p50jdv.html?fbclid=IwAR2holrgqALa2TTK-S38VFmgzoyos4ilHR8vZOWlyo-9OQoxCROdwFk2izQ
p_p wanted a shorter chat thread. This one may suit him. It expires in 7 days.
Four?
a very merry jihad , one and all !