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Crossbench

January

Allegra Spender at Pina Cafe: “I didn’t expect to get so much joy from being the local member and seeing the world through other people’s eyes.”

Meet the McKinsey analyst turned teal powerbroker

Allegra Spender, who could hold the balance of power after the next federal election, grew up in privilege but prides herself on being able to talk to anyone.

March 2024

Senators Jacqui Lambie and Tammy Tyrrell have parted ways.

Tammy Tyrrell goes solo, quits Jacqui Lambie Network

Senator Tyrrell made the shock resignation announcement late on Thursday, citing a rift between herself and party leader Jacqui Lambie.

February 2024

Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines during a press conference on the report, ‘Protecting Australia’s Whistleblowers: The Federal Roadmap’ in 2022.

Crossbench backs financial rewards for whistleblowers

Advocates say whistleblowers need stronger protections and better incentives to come forward, and big US-style rewards may be the key.

September 2023

Adam Bandt wants workers to be allowed to  block their bosses’ calls.

Push to include ‘right to disconnect’ in IR changes

Labor will come under pressure from the Greens to give workers the right to block their bosses’ calls and ignore emails outside business hours.

March 2023

Jacqui Lambie has a crucial swing vote in the Senate.

‘Can’t work them 24h’: Lambie threatens hold-up on Senate staffing

The independent senator has privately appealed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for crossbenchers to be given additional staff.

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Former Shooters Party member turned independent Roy Butler opposes the $3.6 billion Narrabri Gas Project.

NSW crossbenchers target Narrabri gas project

Santos’ northern NSW gas project faces another hurdle if this month’s election results in a hung parliament, as crossbenchers cite environmental and climate fears.

February 2023

Bridget Archer outside parliament a few months ago, speaking in support of Julian Assange.

Liberal rebel splits with Dutton on housing future fund

Greens MPs left the floor of parliament to protest the Albanese government’s decision to bring on a vote about its national housing fund.

September 2022

Plenty of possible flaws to be tested in integrity commission

Quite a lot still has to be scrutinised in the proposed National Anti-Corruption Commission, and there are also questions about how it will change the politics of scandals.

July 2022

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and former Prime Minister John Howard.

Howard, Abbott and Vanstone rally depleted opposition ranks

John Howard, Tony Abbott and Amanda Vanstone addressed Liberal MPs at Parliament House on Monday, as the Coalition begins a long road back from its election defeat.

Ralph Babet has won the final Victorian seat in the Senate.

‘Climate science not settled’ says Palmer’s man on the crossbench

The former Melbourne real estate agent Ralph Babet won’t support Labor’s 43 per cent emissions reduction target and wants tax burdens on companies eased.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/crossbench-6fo1