Scott Morrison determined to test waters on faith bill

Scott Morrison intends to put the religious discrimination bill to a vote in the House of Representatives in the coming sitting week despite Liberal MPs reserving their right to vote against it.

Scott Morrison has played down internal dissent, saying Coalition MPs are allowed to vote according to their conscience. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Scott Morrison intends to put the religious discrimination bill to a vote in the House of Representatives in the coming sitting week despite Liberal MPs reserving their right to vote against it.

Senior sources said the government hoped to pass the bill through the lower house next week with the support of Labor, which would avoid a contentious vote that could force some Liberals to cross the floor.

Liberal MPs including Bridget Archer and Trent Zimmerman have reserved their right to cross the floor, while others say they don’t believe it will pass if it is ­opposed by Labor.

Moderate Liberal MPs are hoping there is not a vote until the bill is scrutinised by the parliamentary joint committee on human rights, which is due to release a report by February.

Labor is likely to support the bill through the House if it is referred to a committee, which could mean the bill is passed through the chamber without a vote. Labor’s final position will be determined after shadow cabinet on Monday and caucus on Tuesday.

Attorney-General Michaelia Cash would not commit to holding a vote in the House next week. “The committee will report back to the parliament early next year, at which point in time the Senate will formally consider the Religious Discrimination Bill,” she said.

“But in the first instance, it’s all about delivering on our election commitment to the Australian people, building on Australia’s proud record as the most successful multicultural and multi-faith nation on earth.

“I look forward to working with the Labor Party, with Mark Dreyfus, to get bipartisan support in ­relation to a bill that really is just about helping protect what we value as Australians – difference, fairness, choice, charity and the right, you know, to live our lives as we please as long as we’re not hurting others.”

Ms Archer was one of seven Coalition MPs to cross the floor this week when she backed a ­motion to suspend the business of parliament and bring on a debate about a federal anti-corruption commission.

Mr Morrison played down the internal dissent, saying Coalition MPs were allowed to vote according to their conscience.