Governor-General recalls parliament from recess ahead of possible double dissolution

THE Governor-General has left Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek red-faced after he appeared to snub her offer for a handshake after recalling parliament this morning.

The Governor General, General Sir Peter Cosgrove Ignores Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek at the opening of the 2nd session of Parliament, in the Senate Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

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THE Governor-General left Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek red faced after he appeared to snub her offer for a hand shake after recalling parliament this morning.

Sir Peter Cosgrove shook the hands of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and then appeared to ignore the hand of Ms Plibersek.

A heckler on the floor of the senate yelled “Know your place!” as Ms Plibersek’s hand was literally left hanging.

It was unclear whether Sir Cosgrove had snubbed Ms Plibersek or didn’t see her hand.

Both houses were prorogued from their breaks amid full scale pomp and ceremony to mark the rare decision by the Queen’s representative, with Sir Cosgrove formally recalling parliament so senators can determine whether Australians go to a double dissolution on July 2.

The ceremony included the full lower house being brought to the senate to listen to the Governor-General.

The Governor General, General Sir Peter Cosgrove Ignores Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek at the opening of the 2nd session of Parliament, in the Senate Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Sir Cosgrove either missed the deputy opposition leader’s outstretched hand or decided to ignore it. Picture Kym Smith

Many Labor MPs have remarked the irony of republican Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull relying on the Queen’s representative Sir Cosgrove to allow extended debate on the Australian Building and Construction Commission and Registered Organisations Bill.

If the senate doesn’t pass both bills then Mr Turnbull will call a July 2 election.

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“The standing orders of both Houses of the Parliament provide when parliament is recalled to a new session following prorogation, that I declare the cause of calling parliament together,’’ the Governor-General said.

Sir Peter Cosgrove has formally recalled parliament from a seven week recess. Picture Kym Smith

“The cause for which I have recalled the Parliament is to enable it and, in particular, the senate to give full and timely consideration to two important parcels of industrial legislation — the bills to provide the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission and the Bill to improve the governance and transparency of registered organisations.

“These bills are critical to my government’s reform agenda.”

Mr Turnbull yesterday insisted there would be a July 2 election if the bills were voted down.

He urged the senate not to waste time if they had no intention of passing the legislation.

Both houses were prorogued from their breaks as Sir Cosgrove called politicians back. Picture Kym Smith

“We encourage them to vote for those bills, but if the senate decides to vote them down again, we’d encourage them to do so swiftly,’’ he said.

Mr Turnbull said the bills were about improving the economy not creating an early election. He said it was critical Australian building sites were improved after widespread evidence of union thuggery.

“That lawlessness costs us, costs our economy billions of dollars every year, so ensuring that the industrial laws prevail, that the rule of law prevails is a vital economic element in our national economic plan,’’ he said.