Medivac law repeal bid in doubt
Peter Dutton won’t commit to a vote on a bill to repeal the controversial medivac laws in the final sitting fortnight.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton won’t commit to a vote on a bill to repeal the medivac laws in the final sitting fortnight, with the government unlikely to try to push it through the Senate unless it secures Jacqui Lambie’s support.
Repealing the laws, which passed through parliament in February with Labor, Greens and crossbench support, has been a priority for the Morrison government, but it’s now possible any vote could be delayed until next year.
“I believe we can get support for the medivac (repeal) bill but those discussions and negotiations continue,” Mr Dutton said.
The repeal bill has not been listed on the draft Senate legislation program for next week and there are only two weeks remaining until parliament rises for Christma. With Labor, the Greens and Centre Alliance opposed to scrapping the laws, the government must win over Senator Lambie.
The Tasmanian independent is refusing to say how she will vote.
ROSIE LEWIS
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