Julie Bishop responds to WhatsApp leak as Tony Abbott’s sister Christine Forster to run for Malcolm Turnbull’s Wentworth seat
DUMPED prime minister Malcolm Turnbull will quit federal Parliament this week; a move that will put new Liberal Party leader Scott Morrison in a precarious position.
National
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MALCOLM Turnbull will formally resign from Federal Parliament within days which will trigger a by-election in his inner-city Sydney electorate.
The deposed PM’s decision to leave almost immediately means the Morrison Government could face its first electorate test as early as October 6 in the seat of Wentworth.
In a letter to his constituents Mr Turnbull said he has always said that former PMs shouldn’t stay in parliament.
“I don’t want to dwell on the shocking and shameful events of last week - a pointless week of madness that disgraced our Parliament and appalled our nation,” Mr Turnbull wrote.
“As you know, I have always said that the best place for former PMs is out of the Parliament, and recent events amply demonstrate why.”
He thanked his local supporters for giving him the honour of representing Wentworth in the House of Representatives for the past 14 years.
“Your support has enabled me to be a Minister and, for the past three years, Prime Minister,” he said.
“Everything I have achieved for Australia in public life has been due to you - built on the foundation of this community, which Lucy and I love and where we have always lived.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
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Some Liberals say Mr Turnbull’s personal popularity in the electorate cannot be underestimated in the seat which has the potential to fall to be an independent candidate.
Christine Forster, the sister of Tony Abbott and Sydney councillor, is among those understood to be interested in contesting the seat.
Ms Forster was a prominent campaigner in last year’s same-sex marriage “Yes” campaign and has publicly clashed with her brother over the issue over many years.
“She and I famously have had our differences but she is an outstanding individual,” Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney.
“If she does put her hand up for Wentworth and if she is successful, I know she will be a wonderful, wonderful competitor in any by-election and she’d be a great local member if she were elected.”
Former Ambassador to Israel, David Sharma, is also a well-credentialed candidate for the seat.
Mr Turnbull’s departure could cause issues for new PM Scott Morrison’s authority on the floor of parliament as the government will fall to 75 seats - one short of the majority it requires to control the House of Representatives.
The 62-year-old challenged sitting MP Peter King for preselection in 2004 and served in John Howard’s cabinet as water minister and had two stints as party leader in opposition and government.
The news comes after Bill Shorten sent Scott Morrison a letter to try and block Julie Bishop’s chances of getting another role, as she broke her silence on the WhatsApp leak that ended her leadership bid.
The Labor leader wants the winner of the next election to nominate a new Governor-General in the wake of speculation about Ms Bishop’s future.
Following her decision to step down as foreign minister on Sunday, reports suggest she could succeed Sir Peter Cosgrove when his commission ends in March.
But Mr Shorten has taken the first step to shut down any potential aspirations for Ms Bishop and the Liberal Party, proposing a six-month extension to Sir Peter’s term.
Mr Shorten has penned a letter to new Prime Minister Scott Morrison asking him to extend Sir Peter’s commission until September 2019, taking it beyond the likely May 2019 federal election date.
He believes the move would allow the “incoming prime minister” to nominate “an appropriate successor” after the election.
BISHOP REVEALS REACTION TO WHATSAPP LEAK
Ms Bishop was a victim of her own party’s tricks used to bump her from leadership contention — but many experts say her career in politics is far from over.
She will move to the backbench after resigning, but has not confirmed whether she would be quitting politics.
The former foreign affairs minister broke her silence today, telling The West Australian the events of the past week had been “personally devastating” for many people.
She said she was aware of the WhatsApp trail that exposed MPs who were scaring her supporters to vote for Scott Morrison.
The West Australian claims Ms Bishop appeared to question why none of her supporters from WA voted for her.
“You would have to ask the individuals involved but it appeared to be a tactic to promote Peter Dutton into the prime ministership, whatever the cost,” Ms Bishop said.
One WA MP also told The West Australian they felt they had been tricked into voting for Mr Morrison to keep Mr Dutton out of the top job.
“We were forced to vote for Scott in round one,” an MP said. “There was a lot of people on that list who would have voted for Julie.”
In one message, MPs were told WA senator Mathias Cormann was putting votes behind Ms Bishop to knock Mr Morrison out of the race — ultimately setting up a contest between Ms Bishop and Peter Dutton, which Mr Dutton would be sure to win.
Mr Cormann has denied the claims.
“I mean, I don’t know. Not from my point of view,” he told ABC TV on Monday. The minister, who backed Peter Dutton to become prime minister, said rumours he had been involved in such tactics were untrue.
“I can completely and categorically rule out any such tricks, as you call it,” he said.
Fellow WA MP Melissa Price, who is joining the front bench as Environment Minister, said she thought Ms Bishop left her tilt at the top job too late.
“I wondered whether Julie was perhaps just a couple of hours late to the piece and I really felt that maybe people had already aligned themselves with either Dutton or Morrison,” she told ABC Perth on Monday.
“I’m not a mind reader, I can’t tell you what the rest of my colleagues were thinking, but I think that might have played a part.”
It is rumoured Mr Morrison wants Ms Bishop to be the next Governor-General, a move the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has slammed.
“The Prime Minister should immediately rule out a ‘captain’s call’ on the next Governor-General,” ARM’s national director Michael Cooney said.
“Media reports speculating that former Foreign Minister Bishop might be considered for the role and represent the Queen in Canberra reinforce the worst perception that Australia is in decline from a parliamentary democracy to a spoils system.
“Things need to change in Parliament House and it starts with the attitudes and behaviours of the most senior people.
“Choosing the Governor-General should never again be a personal pick of the Prime Minister. “Australia should draw its leadership from far beyond a handful of any Prime Minister’s boardroom buddies, retired lawyers, military leaders - and former political colleagues.”
Her possible appointment to that role was debated by John Howard’s former senior adviser, Nikki Savva in The Weekend Australian.
She wrote: “Bishop’s stellar career also has ended, but it is unlikely this is the last we will hear or see of her. There are already whispers that with Sir Peter Cosgrove notching up five years as Governor-General in March, she would make a fine replacement.’’
Ms Bishop had just 11 votes in the first ballot with none of those who voted for her from
WA, where she was first elected for the seat of Curtin in 1998.
SCOMO WON’T GET INTO CLIMATE CHANGE ROW
Mr Morrison won’t say if human-induced climate change is associated with the drought because it doesn’t help solve practical problems.
The new prime minister visited a drought-stricken Quilpie farm in rural Queensland in his first visit in the new role, but refused to say if he thought climate change was affecting the drought.
“Climate is changing, everybody knows that,” he told reporters on Monday. “It’s not a debate I’ve participated a lot in the past, because I’m practically interested in the policies that will address what is going on here right and now.
“I’m interested in getting people’s electricity prices down and I’m not terribly interested in engaging in those sorts of debates at this point.” Mr Morrison said his passion for dealing with the drought came from a conversation with Nationals leader Michael McCormack in cabinet. “Michael was really pushing that this really had to be put on our agenda and what our response was,” he said.
“That had a big impact on me, Michael, and, as you know, we went through a whole range of packages that went through the budget.” Mr Morrison said dealing with the drought was not something that could be solved with one bit of relief.
“It goes on as long as the drought goes on. We need the ideas to keep coming as long as the drought goes on and beyond,” he said.
Labor attacked Mr Morrison for making Barnaby Joyce a special drought envoy, calling the decision a slap in the face for farmers.
Opposition agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon said the position would allow the former Nationals leader to campaign across Australia at public expense.
“The appointment of climate change denier Barnaby Joyce as his drought envoy is a joke and a slap in the face for all in the sector who want meaningful drought policy reform,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
But Mr Morrison said the role made good use of the former deputy prime minister’s skills.
“I got a great text from Barnaby last night just on day one, as you expect, he has given me quite a list of things that he reckons,” Mr Morrison said. Mr McCormack said the government would contribute more money on top of the already announced $1.8 billion worth of measures to tackle the drought. “We need to do more and we will do more,” he told ABC radio. Mr Fitzgibbon said Mr Morrison had made a bad start, accusing the prime minister of using drought as a plaything to improve his image.
TONY ABBOTT’S SISTER TO RUN FOR TURNBULL’S SEAT
CHRISTINE Forster has confirmed she wants to run for the federal electorate of Wentworth to be vacated by Malcolm Turnbull, as one of several high profile candidates circling the seat.
Ms Forster, the sister of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, said she was being encouraged by several people within the party to run for Liberal preselection in Wentworth to replace the ousted prime minister.
Mr Turnbull is yet to announce his resignation from the harbourside seat but told reporters last week it would be “not before too long”.
“If and when the seat becomes available I’m considering nominating,” the City of Sydney councillor told AAP.
“I think as someone with local credentials and a strong track record of strong liberalism, I feel they are the types of candidates we want in any seat.
“I’ve been strong in espousing and representing Liberal values in the city of Sydney.”
Businessman and former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma is said to be the frontrunner to replace Mr Turnbull as the Liberal candidate.
NSW MP Alex Greenwich and health advocate Dr Kerryn Phelps are also both considering running as independents.
Waverley Deputy Mayor Dominic Wy Kanak has been announced as the Greens candidate for the seat.
Tamarama Surf Lifesaving Club president and local businessman Tim Murray will run as Labor’s candidate.
CRAIG LAUNDY CONFIRMS RESIGNATION
Meanwhile, loyal Turnbull backer Small and Family Business Minister Craig Laundy has confirmed his resignation.
“Malcolm Turnbull was a great leader and we will remain close friends in the years to come,” he said in a statement.
Got home last night & my daughter told me how proud she was of me for “staying with the ship, until there was no ship†#fromthemouthsofbabes #auspol
— Craig Laundy (@LaundyCraigMP) August 25, 2018
“I have not taken this decision lightly but the significant challenges we faced last week took a massive toll, both emotionally and physically, hence my decision to take a step back, and consider what my future holds.”
It comes after Peter Dutton was sworn in as Home Affairs Minister earlier than the rest of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s new-look cabinet so he could attend an intelligence security meeting today.
The former leadership contender was appointed in the role again after standing down last week in his attempt to overthrow Mr Turnbull’s prime ministership.
The Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove conducted the ceremony at Government House in Canberra this morning.
The rest of the new ministers will also be sworn in later in the week.
MICHAELIA CASH’S OFFICE GRAFFITIED
Vandals spray painted the words “shame” and “Peter + Tony must resign” on the walls and footpath of Senator Michaelia Cash’s West Perth office. Police believe the Outram Street office was spray painted on Sunday morning.
“SHAME†was plastered across Senator Michaelia Cash’s West Perth office by vandals overnight. It comes after she withdrew support for Malcolm Turnbull on Thursday. Also scrawled along a footpath outside was “Tony and Peter must resign.†Police are investigating @abcnews @abcperth pic.twitter.com/u1jrGNC2LK
— James Carmody (@jamescarmody95) August 26, 2018
WORST NEWSPOLL FOR LIBS IN A DECADE
Support for the Coalition collapsed to its lowest level in a decade, and new Liberal leader Scott Morrison starts his first week as prime minister with just 33 per cent of Newspoll respondents saying he’s the right person for the job.
Labor’s Bill Shorten jumped seven points in the preferred prime minister ratings, for a total of 39 per cent.
.@PeterDutton_MP is being sworn in as Home Affairs Minister early so he can attend an intelligence security meeting.
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) August 26, 2018
MORE: https://t.co/4W71j2HSsu #amagenda pic.twitter.com/DSzpYaFIfz
Morrison’s rating is 12 points lower than that of the man he replaced, Mr Turnbull.
According to The Australian, the new Newspoll figure shows the Coalition’s primary vote dropping four points to 33 per cent, while Labor’s rose to 41 per cent.
The news didn’t seem to bother Deputy Liberal leader Josh Frydenberg, who told 3AW Melbourne this morning the poll was “as big a surprise as the sun coming up tomorrow.”
On a two-party preferred basis, the margin is now 44 per cent for the Coalition, with 56 for Labor.
This is a significant reversal of the figure just a fortnight ago of 49 per cent in favour of the Coalition versus 51 per cent for Labor.
But Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack believed the government could turn it around.
“We have to turn that around, and we will turn it around, we must turn it around,” the Nationals leader told ABC radio today.
“What we need to do is ensure that stability, unity and decisive action on the things that really matter to Australians. Cost of living, including power prices... jobs, wages, economic growth, national security - they’re the things we now need to focus on.”
Mr Morrison yesterday unveiled his “next-generation” frontbench, saying it would draw a line under the chaos of last week and bring “healing” to the government.
But his cabinet included rebel MPs such as leadership aspirant Mr Dutton and chief plotter Greg Hunt - raising questions as to why those behind the turmoil had been rewarded.
Mr McCormack said the new prime minister had appointed people “he thinks can do the jobs best”.
“We’ve got a new team, bringing a fresh energetic approach to the job that we have in hand,” he said.
SCOTT MORRISON’S NEW-LOOK CABINET
The new ministers are set to be sworn in at Government House in Canberra later in the week after Mr Morrison announced his ministry yesterday, following the resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop.
New Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s former role as both environment and energy minister has been split between Rhodes scholar Angus Taylor (Energy) and WA lawyer Melissa Price (Environment).
With Ms Bishop going to the backbench and expected to retire from parliament at the next election, former Defence Minister Marise Payne will take on Foreign Affairs.
Christopher Pyne moves across to Defence, formerly held by Senator Payne, and former Trade Minister Steve Ciobo will replace him as Defence Industry Minister.
Dan Tehan has been moved into the troubled education portfolio while his predecessor Simon Birmingham moves to trade and tourism.
Mitch Fifield, who quit the cabinet last week, returns to communications, while Greg Hunt retains health.
Mathias Cormann has been returned as finance minister and Senate leader. Former Small Business Minister Craig Laundy and Local Government Minister John McVeigh have also stood down from the front bench.
Mr Morrison has brought back the old portfolio of Industrial Relations, handing it to Kelly O’Dwyer who will oversee the coalition’s attacks on union misconduct while also taking a fresh look at productivity gains from workplace reform.
ABBOTT’S POSSIBLE RETURN FROM EXILE
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was offered a role as special envoy for indigenous affairs, but he is yet to accept the appointment.
A spokesman for Mr Abbott told The Daily Telegraph he was considering the role but wanted to know “the precise terms of what is being proposed”.
“It’s not clear how any such role would interact with the minister and all the other bodies in this space,” the spokesman added.
Mr Abbott told Ray Hadley on 2GB this morning that he didn’t want a “title without a role”, after Mr Hadley encouraged him to take the job offer.
“It’s something I want, to see us make a difference here,” Mr Abbott said.
“I’m not retiring. I regard myself as a young man, a little younger than you (Hadley) even.
“I think the public will want to give Scott Morrison a fair go,” he said, adding he would “absolutely” give Mr Morrison his support and loyalty.
Addressing the latest disappointing Newspoll, Mr Abbott was optimistic: “It’s all up from here I think.”
Mr Frydenberg addressed Mr Abbott’s new appointment on Sky News this morning, confirming he hadn’t accepted Mr Morrison’s offer.
“Scott Morrison has been speaking to Tony Abbott about a role, in particular in indigenous affairs where Tony is really passionate,” he said.
“So let’s see how those discussions go.”
Former deputy PM Barnaby Joyce has agreed to a new role as special envoy for drought assistance and recovery.
OVERTHROWING A PM: SHOULD THERE BE RULES?
Suggestions to change Liberal party rules have been touted after the embarrassing leadership debacle last week.
Nick Greiner, the federal Liberal president, believes it would be a good move to make it harder to bring on a leadership spill.
“I’m not opposed to that idea, I think it’s an obvious directional thing,” he told Sky News.
“There are already members of the parliamentary party advocating it and Mr Morrison does not have a tin ear, but yes certainly I think it’s something that ought to be on the agenda.”
Former Prime Minister John Howard, the last PM to serve a full term, argued against changing the rules when speaking at a Canberra Writers’ Festival event yesterday.
“I don’t think changing the rules is a good idea,” he said. “What’s the point of bringing in rules if, in any event, they can be set aside?”
Labor implemented new parliamentary party rules after Julia Gillard toppled Kevin Rudd in 2010, before he took back the leadership and the party ultimately lost the election.
The rules state MPs and members can elect a new leader over a month-long process, with the long time frame designed to give electors time to test their suitability. But the Labor caucus can overturn this rule if they have a majority.
Originally published as Julie Bishop responds to WhatsApp leak as Tony Abbott’s sister Christine Forster to run for Malcolm Turnbull’s Wentworth seat