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PoliticsNow: Peter Dutton, Scott Morrison and Julie Bishop likely to contest Liberal leadership, PM’s job

PoliticsNow: The PM’s office have confirmed a party room meeting is expected to be held at midday.

Greg Brown, Rosie Lewis and Rachel Baxendale
41 min read
5:27PMAugust 23, 2018.
Updated 11:29PMAugust 23, 2018
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Peter Dutton, Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison.
Peter Dutton, Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison.

Malcolm Turnbull’s office has confirmed a party room meeting at midday. Scott Morrison is set to stand against Peter Dutton after Mathias Cormann, Mitch Fifield and Michaelia Cash resigned and called on the PM to go.

11.12pm: Dutton and Cormann out to dinner

Spotted: Petter Dutton and Mathias Cormann out to dinner at Portia’s Place.

Peter Dutton and Mathias Cormann having dinner at Portia's Place restaurant in Kingston. Picture: Jonathan Ng
Peter Dutton and Mathias Cormann having dinner at Portia's Place restaurant in Kingston. Picture: Jonathan Ng

11.06pm: Dutton releases more legal advice

Peter Dutton has released a second legal letter regarding his eligibility to sit in Parliament amid claims he is in breach of section 44(v) of the Constitution.

Mr Dutton, who is expected to challenge Malcolm Turnbull for the leadership again at midday, has been facing questions over his interest in two Brisbane childcare centres through the RHT Family Trust.

The instructions by David Bennett AC QC say Mr Dutton is indeed eligible to sit in Parliament.

Simon Benson 10.30pm: Party room meeting at midday

The Prime Ministers office have confirmed that a party room meeting is expected to be held at midday with 42 MPs believed to have now signed a petition for a meeting to bring on a spill.

The Australian understands Karen Andrews was the 42nd but they expect 43 signatures by morning.

Olivia Caisley 9.59pm: Turnbull ‘the master of intimidation’

Bronwyn Bishop has taken aim at Malcolm Turnbull, describing him as a “master of intimidation”, who has “dragged Australia into the socialist gutter.”

The former Speaker, who resigned following anger over her use of taxpayer travel perks, made the comments during an interview on Sky News this evening, where she told PM Live host Paul Murray Mr Turnbull was to blame for the Liberal Party’s leadership chaos.

“He’s the master of intimidation and has dragged the party into the socialist gutter,” Ms Bishop said before describing Mr Turnbull’s press conference this afternoon as the “most selfish and cowardly speech” she had ever heard from a political leader.

“The reason he wants those 43 names is for vindictive pursuit,” Ms Bishop said.

“When Brendan Nelson was made leader he used to barge into his office, berate him, insult him and say you’ve got to resign so I can take my rightful place as leader.”

Ms Bishop blamed the embattled prime minister for a string of issues including recent uproar over a Royal Navy advertisement campaign, which featured a bearded navy officer holding up a painted pinky fingernail.

“His attitude to defence is that we now have soldiers not talking about bravery but wearing nail polish,” Ms Bishop said.

Ms Bishop’s comments come as several ministers offered their resignation, with some saying they thought the party had moved too far Left under Mr Turnbull’s leadership.

9.18pm: Full transcript of Turnbull’s press conference today

Mobile users, click here to see the PDF.

7.38pm: Bishop’s partner likes her chances

Julie Bishop’s partner David Panton attended the Myer runway show tonight and told the Herald Sun she would claim the leadership.

“You’ve heard it straight from the horse’s mouth – by tomorrow at lunchtime, Julie Bishop will definitely be prime minister,” he said.

David Panton arrives at the Myer Spring/Summer 2018 runway show tonight. Picture: AAP
David Panton arrives at the Myer Spring/Summer 2018 runway show tonight. Picture: AAP

When the Herald Sun asked what he would be called as the “first man” he replied: “Just call me David.”

Geoff Chambers 6.53pm: Bishop doesn’t mince her words

The Australian understands in her pitch to colleagues, Julie Bishop has told them that she won’t be “another man’s deputy”.

It is understood Josh Frydenberg is also canvassing colleagues over the prospect of him running as deputy leader, unaligned to any of the leadership candidates.

5.20pm: Numbers game continues

Rosie Lewis 5pm: Liberal Party lament

West Australian Liberal senator Linda Reynolds has told the Senate she does not recognise her party at the moment, labelling today a “sad day” for the Liberals and nation.

“I do not recognise the values. I do not recognise the bullying and intimidation that has gone on. And I hope — I hope — that whatever happens tomorrow after midday that we can find a way to get back together again, because it is not just the leader, the Prime Minister, it is all of us in our team who has been such a successful government,” she said.

“Yesterday here in this place I said that I was deeply saddened and distressed but what was happening over the last 24 hours and now 48 hours in my own party, and I have to say that what has happened since I spoke in chamber yesterday, I’m even more greatly distressed and disturbed by what has been happening particularly last night and this morning in my own party. Some of the behaviour is behaviour that I simply do not recognise and I think has no place in my party or in this chamber, so whatever happens over the next 24 hours, I cannot condone or support what has happened to some of my colleagues on this side in this chamber in this place.

“I think the tragedy of what has been happening, I think the madness of what has taken hold of a number of my colleagues, is that this has been a very good government. A government is always more than a leader. The leader is only ever the sum of those he or she serves with.”

Rachel Baxendale 4.50pm: ‘Sort it out, move on’

Chris Crewther, whose Mornington Peninsula seat of Dunkley is officially Labor territory after the electoral commission redistribution, said he just hoped his party could “sort all this out and move on as a team”.

Mr Crewther would not be drawn on who he’d vote for if a spill goes ahead tomorrow, saying Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has his support as things stand.

Rachel Baxendale 4.45pm: The Fixer keeps his cool

At least Turnbull loyalist Christopher Pyne still has a sense of humour. “Everything is very calm”, the Leader of the Government in the House says as he leaves the ministerial wing for a cigarette, proffering two thumbs up.

Meanwhile Bill Shorten walks past with two staffers on his way to the gym.

Rachel Baxendale 4.40pm: Blast from the past

Liberal Party elder Peter Costello has just emerged from the ministerial wing, but has declined to comment on the leadership turmoil.

“I’m not involved. I’m here to do business, not politics,” the former treasurer said. Mr Costello is chairman of the Future Fund and the Nine Network.

4.35pm: Abbott won’t contest leadership

Dennis Shanahan 4.30pm: Dutton ‘cleared’ for parliament

Peter Dutton has received new oral advice on section 44 which suggests he is clear, and is awaiting written advice from former solicitor-general David Bennett QC confirming that he is in the clear.

Geoff Chambers 4.25pm: Petition still doing the rounds

The Australian understands Peter Dutton’s petition for a partyroom meeting hasn’t been pulled. It had been suggested that it had been withdrawn.

Joe Kelly 4.20pm: Fierravanti-Wells sprays Turnbull

The first Minister to resign following Peter Dutton, NSW Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, has taken aim at Malcolm Turnbull’s management of the leadership change-over.

“I support the comments of Senator Mathias Cormann, especially regarding the importance of an orderly transition and management of the change of leadership,” she told The Australian.

Senator Fierravanti-Wells also agreed with Senator Cormann that the issue of Mr Dutton’s eligibility for parliament under section 44 of the constitution -- used by Mr Turnbull earlier today to delay a party room meeting until Friday at 12pm -- was “a distraction”.

“I think that we are bleeding votes,” she said. “I believe that Peter’s experience and stance will assist in retaining not just our base but winning back these votes”.

 
 


Rosie Lewis 4.10pm: Turnbull still in control

Malcolm Turnbull’s demand to receive a petition with 43 signatures before calling a partyroom meeting hasn’t changed even as a third leadership candidate – Julie Bishop – enters the race.

Only the Prime Minister can call the partyroom meeting, for 12pm tomorrow.

A three-cornered contest would make things interesting, as an exhaustive ballot process would be adopted. That means the candidate with the lowest number of votes is knocked out first, and then battle is left to the two highest scoring candidates.

This happened in 2009 when there was a leadership contest between Turnbull, Joe Hockey and Tony Abbott. Hockey lost in the first round. Turnbull lost in the second round.

Geoff Chambers 3.55pm: Bishop canvassing support

Senior government sources have confirmed Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is also counting numbers, setting up a three-tiered contest with Peter Dutton and Scott Morrison.

Ms Bishop - who would carry a rump of moderate votes with her - is understood to be trailing Mr Morrison in corralling supporters of Malcolm Turnbull.

MPs counting votes for Mr Morrison and Ms Bishop are trying to persuade colleagues to not sign Mr Dutton’s petition, in an attempt to buy more time.

Greg Brown 3.50pm: No-confidence motion defeated

The Senate has voted down Labor’s no-confidence motion in the government, by 35 votes to 31. The Greens backed Labor in supporting the motion.

The rest of the crossbench sided with the government, except for the two Centre Alliance senators, who abstained.

3.35pm: Leadership petition ‘a suicide note’

3.30pm: Number crunching continues ...

Greg Brown 3.25pm: ‘Worse than Italy’

Crossbench senator Derryn Hinch speaks on the no-confidence motion and compares the Australian political system to Italy.

“I am old enough to remember the days when we all used to laugh at the Italians, how often they change their governments, their leaders, what a stupid country and how irresponsible and what a lousy form of democracy,” he says.

Hinch says it was a “disgrace” the government cancelled proceedings in the lower house.

But he rejects Labor no-confidence motion, arguing it was up to an elected government to choose the date of an election.

3.20pm: What’s next for liberal leadership and PM’s job?

• A partyroom meeting will be called for Friday at noon if the prime minister receives a letter with 43 Liberal MP signatures asking him to do so.

• Prior to the proposed meeting time Mr Turnbull expects to receive legal advice over leadership rival Peter Dutton’s eligibility to sit in parliament.

• If the advice does not clear Mr Dutton over a possible breach of section 44 of the constitution, the meeting will not go ahead and it is likely he would be referred to the High Court by the parliament when it next sits.

• In that case, Turnbull would remain leader and prime minister.

• If Dutton is not found to potentially be in breach of the constitution, it would clear the way for the Liberal partyroom meeting to be held.

• Treasurer Scott Morrison is reportedly preparing to run against Peter Dutton.

• The winner of the Liberal partyroom ballot will become parliamentary party leader.

• Malcolm Turnbull would then tender his resignation to the governor-general and resign from parliament.

• The new Liberal leader would be recommended to the governor-general to become Australia’s 30th prime minister.

• In parliament, which does not sit again until September 10, Labor could move a “no-confidence” motion to test the government’s majority. The Liberal-National coalition has a one-seat majority. But some Nationals MPs have pledged to sit on crossbench if the prime minister changes.

• The government already has budget “supply” until July 2019.

• The governor-general would issue the instrument of appointment and oath of office to the new prime minister, and most likely swear in a handful of key cabinet ministers including the treasurer.

• If Turnbull resigns immediately a by-election will be needed in the NSW seat of Wentworth.

• A half-Senate and full lower house election is due by May 18, 2019.

— AAP

Malcolm Turnbull faces the media today. Picture: Kym Smith
Malcolm Turnbull faces the media today. Picture: Kym Smith

Greg Brown 3.15pm: Hanson hits out

Pauline Hanson backs in the government against the no-confidence motion, calling it “political point scoring”.

“They say there is a dysfunctional government, I disagree, Even today we are still debating legislation and that is going through this chamber,” the One Nation leader says.

“There are problems within the Liberal Party about the leadership, but people in glass houses should not throw stones.”

Greg Brown 3.10pm: ‘A national embarrassment’

Greens leader Richard Di Natale joins Labor in lashing the government’s dysfunction.

“What (Australians) are watching is a national embarrassment, it is a disgrace, it is utterly shameful,” he says.

He then begins to get emotional and yell in a rather unhinged manner.

“We have this spectacle, this disgrace, you should be ashamed of yourself,” Di Natale says.

“We have people across the country who are suffering, and look at what you are doing.”

He raises concern of an election based on racism if Peter Dutton becomes prime minister.

“Rather than taking a stand against One Nation the Liberal Party is being just like (Pauline Hanson),” he says.

“The next election is going to be ugly, it is going to be a calculated attempt at race-baiting.”

He picks an election in the next few months.

Clockwise from top left: Former Cabinet ministers Michaelia Cash, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Mathias Cormann and Mitch Fifield sit on the backbench during Senate Question Time. Picture: AAP
Clockwise from top left: Former Cabinet ministers Michaelia Cash, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Mathias Cormann and Mitch Fifield sit on the backbench during Senate Question Time. Picture: AAP

Greg Brown 2.55pm: ‘Good policies’

Senate Leader Simon Birmingham argues against Labor’s no-confidence motion, saying Australians care about “policies and outcomes”.

He does not talk up the leadership of his ally Malcolm Turnbull.

“This Liberal national government has delivered good policies and strong outcomes in spades,” Birmingham says.

Greg Brown 2.45pm: No-confidence motion moved

Penny Wong’s no-confidence motion being argued in the Senate.

That — the Senate:

(a) has no-confidence in the Government;

(b) notes that the Government can change its leader, but it can never unite its party; and

(c) calls on whoever is the Prime Minister to visit the Governor-General by no later than 5 pm today to call an election immediately, so the people can decide who runs this country.

Greg Brown 2.40pm: Birmingham: bring it on

Labor Senate leader moves a no-confidence motion in the government that would urge the government to call an election.

Simon Birmingham says: “bring it on”.

“Australia does not have a functioning government. We have a rabble. A rabble of self interested people masquerading as the representatives of Australia,” Wong says.

“We have a leader of the government in the Senate who could not even answer the simple question of how many ministers there were. They don’t even know how many ministers they have left in their cabinet and in their executive.

“We have a leader of the National Party up here who couldn’t even say in whom he had confidence as Prime Minister.”

Greg Brown 2.35pm: Dutton’s GST plan probed

One Nation senator Peter Georgiou asks if Western Australia’s GST share will be put at risk from a proposal by Peter Dutton to take the tax of electricity bills.

Simon Birmingham avoids it, instead attacking Bill Shorten over Labor’s alternative GST proposals.

“GST reform under this Coalition is here to stay, under any future Coalition governments,” Birmingham says.

“The only threat to the GST are those opposite.”

Greg Brown 2.30pm: ‘The reserve team’

Labor’s Doug Cameron makes fun of Barry O’Sullivan’s elevation to the frontbench without a portfolio.

“This is the reserve team,” he yells, pointing at the Queensland Nationals senator.

Greg Brown 2.25pm: ‘Confidence’ in the Coalition

Labor senator Glenn Sterle asks if the Nationals maintains confidence in the Liberal Party to form a Coalition.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion says “yes”.

He goes onto savage the alternative option of a Labor government.

Senator Sterle asks the name of the government leader the Nationals have confidence in.

Scullion says it is a matter for the Liberal Party. He won’t say Malcolm Turnbull.

The Mocker 2.20pm: Following a path well-trodden

Another PM looks set to fall. But Malcolm Turnbull is not just abandoning the party … he is tossing hand grenades as he leaves. Read more here

Greg Brown 2.15pm: Election query

Labor asks when an election will be held. Senate Leader Simon Birmingham says it will be held “in the normal course of events”.

Greg Brown 2.10pm: ‘Now that I’m on the frontbench ...’

Nationals senator Barry O’Sullivan -- who is set to leave parliament at the next election -- is happy to be on the frontbench, next to his Nationals colleagues Steve Martin and John “Wacka” Williams.

“Now that I’m on the frontbench ... I am keenly interested to hear what the senator has to say and I can hardly hear for the noises from the other side,” O’Sullivan says with a chuckle.

Labor’s Jacinta Collins asks what O’Sullivan’s portfolio is.

Birmingham fobs it.

Greg Brown 2.05pm: New look in the Senate

With the lower house adjourned, the focus will be on Senate question time today.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham takes on the job of Senate Leader, with Marise Payne his deputy.

“I can inform the Senate that I have been appointed leader of the government in the Senate and Senator (Marise) Payne has been appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Senator (Anne) Ruston has been appointed Manager of Government Business in the Senate,” he says.

Mathias Cormann and Mitch Fifield sit next to each other on the backbench, while Michaelia Cash is next to Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.

Labor’s Anthony Chisholm asks the first question: “Who is the Prime Minister?”

Birmingham: “Malcolm Turnbull”.

Dennis Shanahan 1.42pm: Dutton disputes adjournment claim

Peter Dutton has disputed Malcolm Turnbull’s claim that the Parliament was adjourned at his request.

The Prime Minister told a press conference that the House of Representatives had been adjourned until September 10 at “the request” of his leadership rival.

Less than an hour before Mr Turnbull spoke the House of Representatives was adjourned after a vote the Government upheld including with support from Mr Dutton.

But Mr Dutton has told The Australian an approach was made to him from the leader of the house, Christopher Pyne, at the request of Mr Turnbull to adjourn the House of Representatives for the rest of the day.

Mr Dutton claims his response was to just delay Question Time to allow for a partyroom meeting and leadership ballot.

The decision to adjourn the House of Representatives completely - although the Government cannot adjourn the Senate - has been criticised and seen as an attempt to buy time for Scott Morrison, a potential rival to Mr Dutton, to organise support among Liberal MPs.

Greg Brown 1.20pm: Aussies ‘would be appalled’

He said Australians would be “appalled” by the leadership agitation in Canberra.

“These are momentous times and it’s important that people are accountable for what they’re doing,” Mr Turnbull said.

“So when I, assuming I get that letter, which I read in the press is already in place, but perhaps maybe it isn’t, but as soon as I get that my intention is to hold a party meeting at midday tomorrow.”

The Prime Minister said the advice on Mr Dutton’s eligibility would be provided to the government early tomorrow.

“I cannot underline too much how important it is that anyone who seeks to be prime minister of Australia is eligible to be a member of parliament,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Because a minister, let alone a prime minister, who is not eligible to sit in the house is not capable of validly being a minister or exercising any of the powers of a minister.”

Saying he would leave parliament if he lost the leadership, he took a veiled swipe at Tony Abbott: “I’ve always thought former prime ministers were best out of parliament.”

Greg Brown 1.15pm: MPs swayed by ‘bullies’

Mr Turnbull said there was a “very deliberate effort” to pull the Liberal Party further to the Right.

He claimed the minority of MPs who wanted a change of leadership were being swayed by a “process of intimidation” from “bullies”.

“I just say that what began as a minority has by a process of intimidation persuaded people that the only way to stop the insurgency is to give in to it,” Mr Turnbull said.

“I do not believe in that, I have never done that. I have never given in to bullies, but you can imagine the pressure it has put people under.”

Greg Brown 1.10pm: ‘A form of madness’

The Prime Minister said parliament was adjourned today at the request of Mr Dutton.

Mr Turnbull blamed his leadership woes on a “minority” in the partyroom with the support of “others outside the parliament”.

“The reality is that a minority in the partyroom supported by others outside the parliament have sought to bully, intimidate others into making this change of leadership that they are seeking,” Mr Turnbull said.

“It has been described by many people, including those who feel they cannot resist it as a form of madness, and it is remarkable we’re at this point where only a month ago we were being, as you all know being avid readers of polls, just little bit behind Labor and in our own polls a little bit ahead.”

Malcolm Turnbull speaks to reporters. Picture: ABC
Malcolm Turnbull speaks to reporters. Picture: ABC

Greg Brown 1.03pm: Partyroom meeting for tomorrow

Malcolm Turnbull has refused to call a Liberal partyroom meeting today despite 13 ministers quitting his government and being subject of an open challenge from Peter Dutton.

The Prime Minister said he would call a partyroom meeting tomorrow on the condition Mr Dutton provided a petition signed by a majority of MPs calling for a ballot. He said he wanted to see the signatures.”People have to be accountable,” he said.

He will also demand legal advice from the Solicitor-General on whether Mr Dutton is in breach of section 44 of the constitution.

Mr Turnbull said he would not stand for the leadership if the party voted in favour of a spill motion at a partyroom meeting tomorrow.

Mr Turnbull said he would leave parliament if he loses the Prime Ministership.

.

Greg Brown 12.50pm: Credlin - Abbott should return

Peta Credlin has told Sky News her former boss, Tony Abbott, should return to cabinet if Peter Dutton becomes prime minister.

Ms Credlin, who is now a Sky News contributor, said Mr Abbott would be in cabinet if Mr Dutton chose based on talent.

She said Mr Abbott would be “pleased” the party is moving on from the acrimony of the of the Turnbull/Abbott era.

Ms Credlin said she was happy Mr Abbott did not put his hat in the ring and contest the leadership.

She added it was a mistake for Mr Turnbull to leave Mr Abbott out of cabinet.

“One of Abbott’s biggest mistakes was leaving Malcolm Turnbull in cabinet, one of Malcolm’s biggest mistakes was leaving Tony out,” Ms Credlin said.

Raachel Baxendale 12.45pm: ‘We have to sort it out’

Nationals Whip Michelle Landry, who holds the marginal Rockhampton seat of Capricornia, said: “I think we have to sort it out”, when asked whether her colleagues would sort out the leadership situation this afternoon as she emerged from the ministerial wing.

Asked what he thought would happen this afternoon as he emerged, maverick LNP MP George Christensen shrugged and said: “Who knows?”

Rachel Baxendale 12.42pm: Senators head to ministerial wing

A bevy of senators who voted for Peter Dutton in Tuesday’s spill has headed into the ministerial wing.

Zed Seselja, James Paterson, Jonathon Duniam and James McGrath all declined to comment when asked whether Mr Dutton still had their support.

Greg Brown 12.40pm: PM calls press conference

Malcolm Turnbull will hold a press conference at 1pm.

Stephen Brook 12.25pm: Markson lashes ‘disgusting’ Uhlmann

Nine political editor Chris Uhlmann today “called out” some journalists and commentators at The Australian, Daily Telegraph, 2GB and Sky News for wanting to be “players” in the leadership battle between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Peter Dutton.

To read the story in full click here.

Sharri Markson has lashed Chris Uhlmann.
Sharri Markson has lashed Chris Uhlmann.

Greg Brown 12.02pm: House of Reps adjourned

Malcolm Turnbull leaves the House of Representatives. Picture: Kym Smith.
Malcolm Turnbull leaves the House of Representatives. Picture: Kym Smith.

Malcolm Turnbull has cancelled parliament as his leadership falls apart with 13 ministers quitting pending a challenge from Peter Dutton.

The Prime Minister and his government -- including Mr Dutton - voted to adjourn business in the House of Representatives.

The motion, moved by Leader of the House Christopher Pyne, was carried in the lower house by a vote of 70-68. The chamber will be adjourned until September 10.

Rachel Baxendale 11.58am: ‘What are you doing Greg?’

Labor is yelling across the House of Reps chamber at ministers who have resigned, telling them to get off the front bench.

“What are you doing still sitting there, Greg?” they shouted at Greg Hunt, who this morning tendered his resignation.

The vote to adjourn is proceeding.

No government MP has crossed the floor, but crossbenchers McGowan, Wilkie, Bandt and Sharkie are voting with Labor to oppose the adjournment.

Andrew Clennell 11.55am: The tip that pushed Morrison to run

Peter Dutton supporters believe that Scott Morrison has been involved in a campaign for the leadership since Monday night, when he was tipped off Peter Dutton was building up a head of steam - and that he is now backed by moderate powerbroker Michael Photios.

At the Enid Lyons dinner the following night in Canberra, powerbrokers and lobbyists Nick Campbell and Michael Photios are said to have told guests that they were backing Mr Morrison into the top job.

“The Left was willing to swing behind ScoMo for PM,” the senior MP said.

Greg Brown 11.52am: Shorten: Government has failed

Bill Shorten has also spoken against a motion to adjourn business in the House of Representatives.

The Opposition Leader said there was lots of important work that needed to be done in the lower house today.

“It is not the parliament that has failed. It is the Turnbull Liberal government in this country which has failed,” Mr Shorten said.

“There are issues in this country which everyday Australians expect the government to answer, and the government, not only is it paralysed by infighting, it is now not even going to bother having the parliament meeting at all.

“This is the ultimate admission of surrender, of a bankrupt government, of a failed government.”

He said the government should call an election.

Mr Shorten said Labor had offered to not call on a vote in parliament if partyroom meeting was held.

“We’ve said that the government that we wouldn’t call divisions whilst their partyroom met,” he said.

“We’ve been prepared to offer flexibility to the government. But to simply adjourn the parliament is the final admission.”

Rosie Lewis 11.50am: ScoMo, Bishop enter Reps

Scott Morrison and Julie Bishop are walking together from the ministerial wing to the House of Representatives.

Neither would comment when asked whether they were contesting the leadership.

Peter Dutton walked in the same direction a short time later.

Simon Benson 11.49am: Advice clears Dutton

Updated external legal advice provided to Peter Dutton this morning has cleared him of being in breach of Section 44 of the Constitution following attempts this morning by Labor to refer him to the High Court.

The updated legal advice for Peter Dutton.
The updated legal advice for Peter Dutton.

Rachel Baxendale 11.40am: MP’s bad day

Asked whether he would prefer to work with Peter Dutton or Scott Morrison, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud put his hands in the air and said: “wait and see”.

Victorian Liberal backbencher Tim Wilson offered a blunt “no” when asked whether he was having a good day.

“My concern is the country,” he said.

Greg Brown 11.39am: O’Dwyer denies Morrison ticket claim

Sources close to Financial Services Minister Kelly O’Dwyer have denied reports she is planning to run as deputy leader on a joint ticket with Scott Morrison.

Rosie Lewis 11.37am: Pyne moves to adjourn Reps

Christopher Pyne has moved that the House of Representatives be adjourned amid the leadership crisis engulfing the Liberal Party.

Manager of opposition business Tony Burke has unleashed, saying the move is “extraordinary”.

“No government in living memory has said, ‘It’s all too hard. We’re just going home.’ No government, no government in living memory has looked at the parliament, where technically they have a majority, and said, ‘Oh, no, we’d rather just not be there at all’,” he says.

“What is happening right now is the government have decided that this place has fallen apart so completely that they are dissolving the parliament for the day entirely. There will be no question time today because they don’t know who their ministers are. There will be no question time today because they don’t know who their prime minister is. There will be no question time today because those opposite have stopped governing.”

He went on: “For those opposite, have a think about what you have all become.

“Now, if they wanted to adjourn the house for their partyroom meeting and suspend it, we would have allowed that, we would have agreed to that, and we were ready to agree to that. But instead of just deciding they’ll suspend for their partyroom, they’re terrified that they’ll have no idea what state they’ll be in after their partyroom.

They have no idea what this country will look like in an hour’s time. But there’s one group of people that aren’t being consulted at the moment, and they’re called the voters.”

Rosie Lewis 11.33am: Bishop leaves PM’s office

Julie Bishop has left the Prime Minister’s office.

She smiled and continued walking when asked whether she would be running to retain her position as deputy Liberal leader.

Julie Bishop during Question Time yesterday. Picture: AAP.
Julie Bishop during Question Time yesterday. Picture: AAP.

Greg Brown 11.32am: CFMMEU not Dutton fan

A poll commissioned by the CFMMEU shows 55 per cent of voters are less likely to support the government is Peter Dutton is prime minister.

The ReachTEL poll showed Malcolm Turnbull is the preferred leader, with support of 38 per cent of voters, followed by Julie Bishop (29 per cent) Tony Abbott (14 per cent), Peter Dutton (10 per cent), and Scott Morrison (9 per cent).

55 per cent of Liberal voters want Mr Turnbull to remain leader, with just 12.5 per cent favouring s shift to Mr Dutton.

The survey polled 2430 people across Australia last night.

Rosie Lewis 11.31am: Macdonald ‘depressed’ at state of party

Liberal senator Ian Macdonald says he’s “depressed, distressed and in despair” at the state of his party.

“I’m distressed and in despair for Australia because the voters just hate what’s happening here,” he said.

“They did (hate it) three years ago (when Turnbull ousted Abbott), they did six years ago when Gillard and Rudd were at it. I don’t know how we didn’t learn from the Gillard and Rudd stuff, some people are slow learners.”

He is undecided on who he will support in a leadership ballot. In the past he’s backed the leader but this time there will be no leader contesting.

Rosie Lewis 11.28am: Pyne - I’m with Malcolm

Leader of the House Christopher Pyne, a staunch Turnbull supporter, said In very brief remarks on his way into the House of Representatives chamber: “As long as Malcolm Turnbull is running I’m voting for Turnbull.”

Sean Parnell 11.22am: Dutton’s health weakness

Peter Dutton’s biggest weakness is health policy. If the Liberal Party does not recognise that, its election chances will flatline and any new government will be dead on arrival.

Read the story in full here.

Geoff Chambers 11.20am: Shredding bins arrive

Six secure shredding bins have just been delivered into the ministerial wing.

Greg Brown 11.12am: Ciobo confirms he’s quit

Steve Ciobo has confirmed he has resigned as trade minister.

Greg Brown 11.09am: MPs who have quit

The ministers who have resigned so far are: Peter Dutton, Mathias Cormann, Mitch Fifield, Greg Hunt, Steven Ciobo, Alan Tudge, Michael Keenan, Angus Taylor, James McGrath, Michaelia Cash, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Michael Sukkar, Zed Seselja

Rachel Baxendale 11.08am: Marino stays silent

Chief Government Whip Nola Marino has left the Prime Minister’s office. She declined to say when a partyroom meeting will be held.

Peter Dutton’s press secretary Nicole Chant declined to say whether her boss has the numbers on her way into the ministerial wing.

Rosie Lewis 11.07am: Turnbull’s vow to leave parliament

More than a year ago Malcolm Turnbull told The Sunday Telegraph he would quit federal parliament when he stopped being prime minister. If he keeps his word the Coalition would lose its one-seat majority in the lower house, causing serious instability.

“When I cease to be Prime Minister, I will cease to be a Member of Parliament. I am not giving anyone else advice but I just think that’s what I would do.”

However, asked about the comment earlier this week, the Prime Minister’s Office was briefing that Mr Turnbull wouldn’t quit parliament if he lost the Prime Minister’s job.

Rachel Baxendale 11.02am: Shorten makes hay

Making the most of their opponents’ turmoil, Bill Shorten’s office has just sent the press gallery information on how to register to be part of the press pack following the Leader of the Opposition at the next election.

Rachel Baxendale 10.59am: Bishop enters PM office

Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop has walked into the Prime Minister’s office just as Greg Hunt, Steve Ciobo, Angus Taylor, Michael Keenan and Alan Tudge left.

Simon Benson 10.58am: Ministers quit

Trade Minister Steve Ciobo, Health Minister Greg Hunt, Human Services Minister Michael Keenan and junior ministers Angus Taylor and Alan Tudge have just resigned.

They have left the Prime Minister’s Office.

Rachel Baxendale 10.57am: Morrison emerges

Scott Morrison has emerged from the Prime Minister’s office and returned to the ministerial wing.

He smiled but was silent when asked if he had the numbers. Christian Porter has also left the PMO. Paul Fletcher and Trent Zimmerman walked in a short time later.

Rosie Lewis 10.55am: Chester’s ‘bitter disappointment’

Darren Chester has just tweeted his ‘bitter disappointment’ with the events in Canberra. “Outside the Canberra bubble there’s 25 million Australians dealing with real issues today. I’m appalled and bitterly disappointed with the events in Parliament House. Can’t wait to get home to #lovegippsland and spend time with some normal people,” he tweeted.

Primrose Riordan 10.52am: ‘Focus on re-election’

Former Prime Minister John Howard has told Liberal MPs to focus on winning the next election in their leadership deliberations.

His comments were re-tweeted by former NSW Liberal Premier Barry O’Farrell.

Mr Howard said he thought the party should focus on getting re-elected.

“The people of Australia will be better served by the Coalition being re-elected and my simple involvement at this stage is that liberal party members should keep in mind the future prospects of their party at the next election in any decision that is taken in the next few days,” he told Channel 7.

Simon Benson 10.50am: Four more ministers to go

Greg Hunt, Michael Keenan, Angus Taylor and Alan Tudge are set to resign from the frontbench.

Rachel Baxendale 10.40am: Morrison returns to PM’s office

Michael Keenan, Angus Taylor, Greg Hunt, Steven Ciobo and Alan Tudge have just walked into the Prime Minister’s office. Christian Porter walked in a short time later and Scott Morrison has just returned to Mr Turnbull’s office.

Greg Brown 10.35am: Scott Morrison to run

Scott Morrison will run for the leadership in a partyroom ballot later today, Sky News is reporting. There is some confusion over whether Mr Turnbull will stand aside to make way for Mr Morrison, or whether the PM still intends to run.

Robyn Ironside 10.30am: Joyce’s frustrated by ‘uncertainty’

Alan Joyce said current events in Canberra were “disappointing and frustrating” and he indicated Qantas would continue to speak out about controversial issues under a more conservative Peter Dutton-led government. “Business likes certainty, it likes confidence in what’s going to happen in the future and I think anything that generates uncertainty which is what we’re seeing in Canberra is not helpful,” Mr Joyce said.

He said Qantas would be keen to see the company tax reforms revisited in the future, to make the corporate tax structure “more competitive”. Although he would not be drawn on his opinion of Mr Dutton, Mr Joyce said Qantas would always speak out on issues such as gender equality, marriage equality and indigenous rights. “Nothing’s going to change our position of being outspoken on issues that are important to our customers, our employees and our shareholders and that will continue,” he said. Read more about Qantas’ profit announcement here.

Primrose Riordan 10.25am: Joyce Press Club speech postponed

Barnaby Joyce’s speech at the National Press Club has been postponed due to the drama.

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has said Peter Dutton should ‘never’ be Prime Minister.

“Dutton was an MP for seven years and was 38 when he boycotted the apology to first Australians,” he said.

“A grown man, experienced politician who knew what he was doing - sending a dog-whistle to racist sentiment. A question of character. For this reason alone, he should never be Prime Minister.”

Rosie Lewis 10.21am: Motion fails by one vote

Labor has failed by just one vote in its bid to have Peter Dutton referred to the High Court. The vote came down in Dutton’s favour 69-68.

No Coalition MPs are voting for the motion to refer Peter Dutton to the High Court.

Malcolm Turnbull is sitting in the House of Representatives, flanked by Kelly O’Dwyer and Julia Banks. Six seats up is Peter Dutton chatting to Attorney-General Christian Porter.

Rachel Baxendale 10.16am: PM, ScoMo walks to House of Reps

Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison have just walked from the Prime Minister’s office to the House of Representatives, followed by Turnbull loyalist Craig Laundy.

Both the PM and Treasurer refused to answer questions.

Ben Packham 10.14am: Labor moves to refer Dutton to High Court

Labor is moving a motion in the House of Representatives to refer Peter Dutton to the High Court to consider whether he is eligible to sit in the parliament under section 44 of the constitution.

Below is the motion

The Parliament of the

Commonwealth of Australia

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MEMBER: I move –

That pursuant to section 376 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, the House of

Representatives refer the following questions to the Court of Disputed Returns:

1. whether, by reason of s44 of the Constitution, the place of the Member for Dickson (Mr

Dutton) has become vacant;

2. if the answer to Question (1) is “yes”, by what means and in what manner that vacancy

should be filled;

3. what directions and other orders, if any, the Court should make in order to hear and

finally dispose of this reference; and

4. what, if any, orders should be made as to the costs of these proceedings.

Rachel Baxendale 10.01am: ScoMo tightlipped

Treasurer Scott Morrison has just emerged from the Prime Minister’s office, closely followed by Chief Government Whip Nola Marino.

Both were tight-lipped as Mr Morrison was asked whether the PM still had his support and Ms Marino was asked when a partyroom meeting would be held.

Primrose Riordan 10.00am: Qld MP distances himself from PM

Little known Queensland MP Andrew Wallace has attempted to distance himself from Malcolm Turnbull is a surprise media release which was put out after Mathias Cormann withdrew support from Malcolm Turnbull.

“Recent media reports allege that I have supported a particular candidate for the leader of the Liberal Party and hence Prime Minister of Australia,” he said.

“I want to make this abundantly clear. The leadership ballot held on Tuesday of this week and any future leadership ballots, are secret ballots. Whilst some of my colleagues may disclose how they have voted, as is their right, I have not and will not, such is the nature of a secret ballot.”

Greg Brown 9.55am: PM blown to pieces

Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership has been blown to pieces after leading conservative Mathias Cormann called on the Prime Minister to resign.

The Finance Minister, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield and Jobs Minister Michaelia Cash this morning quit the frontbench and told Mr Turnbull he should call a partyroom meeting for a leadership ballot.

The Prime Minister has accepted their resignations.

Senator Cormann said Peter Dutton was the best person to lead the government to the next election.

He said he would sit on the backbench if Mr Turnbull remained Prime Minister after a spill.

It came after they told Mr Turnbull yesterday afternoon he no longer had the support of the Liberal partyroom, as revealed by The Australian.

Senator Cormann said five cabinet colleagues, excluding himself, had shifted their support from Mr Turnbull since Tuesday’s ballot.

“It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that we went to see the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon to advise him that in our judgement he no longer enjoyed the support of the majority of members in the Liberal Party partyroom and that it was in the best interests of the Liberal Party to help manage and orderly transition to a new leader,” Senator Cormann said.

“The reason we came to that view is because of the number of colleagues who came forward, who supported Malcolm in the leadership ballot on Tuesday who indicated to us that they had changed their position.”

Senator Fifield said he had supported Malcolm Turnbull throughout his time in office, up until Tuesday.

“But what has become apparent is that a majority of partyroom colleagues believed that there should be a transition,” he said.

Senator Cash said it became “very clear” yesterday Mr Turnbull had lost the support of his colleagues.

“I do not believe he has the confidence of the partyroom, and that this matter must be settled and a partyroom meeting must be called,” Senator Cash said.

Rachel Baxendale 9.54am: ‘Matter for Libs’

Nationals Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Keith Pitt

said the leadership was “a matter for the Liberals” as he walked into

the ministerial wing.

Dennis Shanahan 9.51am: PM left with no choice

Mathias Cormann has left Malcolm Turnbull without choice but to call a

leadership spill or resign.

The Prime Minister has lost his praetorian guard and much of the Cabinet.

Cormann, Michaelia Cash and Mitch Fifield have spelt out the background

of the last three days revealing Turnbull’s attempt at an ambush of Peter Dutton and the switch of enough supporters from Monday’s spill to remove him as Liberal leader.

Turnbull has no choice and it seems his leadership is over.

The question now is will Turnbull stand, will another candidate emerge and will Dutton succeed?

Greg Brown 9.47am: Cormann - numbers have shifted to Dutton

Senator Cormann said five cabinet colleagues told him they had shifted their support from Mr Turnbull since Tuesday’s meeting.

“I have loyally supported Malcolm Turnbull since he was elected leader of the Liberal Party. I was wanting to continue to support Malcolm Turnbull for years to come as leader of the Liberal Party,” Senator Cormann said.

“But I can’t ignore reality. When I have five cabinet colleagues tell me that they supported Malcolm on Tuesday, excluding me, five cabinet colleagues telling me that they supported Malcolm on Tuesday but they have changed their position, that is not something that I can ignore.”

Mathias Cormann, Michaelia Cash and Mitch Fifield have resigned from cabinet. Picture: ABC
Mathias Cormann, Michaelia Cash and Mitch Fifield have resigned from cabinet. Picture: ABC

Rachel Baxendale 9.46am: Parkinson leaves PM’s office

The Secretary of the Department of Primary and Cabinet, Martin

Parkinson, has just left the Prime Minister’s office.

Primrose Riordan 9.45am: PM accepts resignations

The Australian understands the minister’s resignations have been accepted.

Greg Brown 9.43am: Cormann: ‘A heavy heart’

The three ministers confirmed they told the Prime Minister yesterday he lost the support of colleagues.

Senator Cormann said he was taken by surprise at Mr Turnbull’s call for a spill in Tuesday’s meeting. He said he would sit on the backbench if Mr Turnbull remained Prime Minister after a spill.

“It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that we went to see the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon to advise him that in our judgement he no longer enjoyed the support of the majority of members in the Liberal Party partyroom and that it was in the best interests of the Liberal Party to help manage and orderly transition to a new leader,” Senator Cormann said.

“The reason we came to that view is because of the number of colleagues who came forward, who supported Malcolm in the leadership ballot on Tuesday who indicated to us that they had changed their position.”

Ben Packham 9.42am: ‘There should be transition’

Mitch Fifield said he had supported Malcolm Turnbull throughout his time in office, up until Tuesday.

“But what has become apparent is that a majority of partyroom colleagues believed that there should be a transition,” he said.

Senator Fifield said the leadership question must now be resolved.

“What needs to happen is this issue is resolved. We cannot allow this situation to continue,” he said.

Greg Brown 9.37am: Cormann: PM should go

Mathias Cormann, Mitch Fifield and Michaelia Cash have told Malcolm Turnbull he should resign because he has lost the support of the Liberal partyroom. The three ministers resigned from the frontbench and have asked the Prime Minister to call a partyroom meeting.

Ben Packham 9.35am: Andrews signs petition

Dutton supporter Kevin Andrews says Malcolm Turnbull must call a party room meeting, with convention dictating that only two members are needed to request one.

“It’s quite clear so far as the party room conventions are concerned that all it requires is a letter from two or more members to request a party room meeting.

“In 2009 there were two members, in 20015 there were two members, and I looked it on both occasions.”

9.32am: Huawei blocked from 5G network

In the meantime, the federal government has banned Chinese-owned telecommunications giant Huawei from rolling out Australia’s 5G network due to security concerns.

The government says the involvement of any companies “likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law” presented too much of a risk.

Huawei has publicly argued it would never hand over Australian customer data to Chinese spy agencies, but the government today announced no combination of technical security controls sufficiently mitigated the risk.

AAP

Greg Brown 9.28am: Cormann presser at 9.35am

Mathias Cormann, Mitch Fifield and Michaelia Cash will hold a press conference at 9.35am. They were all in Malcolm Turnbull’s office this morning.

9.26am: Albo: New leader ‘will inherit rubble’

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese says whoever is prime minister by the end of the day will inherit “rubble”.

Mr Albanese, who warned against previous Labor leadership spills, told the Nine Network the Australian public should be angry about the behaviour of Peter Dutton, who is seeking to topple Malcolm Turnbull for the Liberal leadership. “If he is successful he will inherit rubble - that will be all that’s left of the government,” Mr Albanese said, adding that an election should be called.

AAP

Greg Brown 9.24am: Abetz calls for partyroom meeting

Liberal senator Eric Abetz has called on Malcolm Turnbull to call a partyroom meeting, as requested by leadership challenger Peter Dutton.

“I would have thought it might be helpful for the party if that matter were resolved once and for all today but I understand the Prime Minister has declined Mr Dutton’s suggestion so we will see where it goes,” Senator Abetz – a Peter Dutton backer -- told Sky News.

“Ultimately it is for the Prime Minister to determine when and if he holds a partyroom meeting, today is the last sitting of the parliament, so if it is not held then one would assume issues may continue for another fortnight until we resume

“I would have thought, irrespective of which candidate you might be backing, that would be an unhelpful scenario.”

Elias Visontay 9.20am: Henderson offer from Dutton

Liberal Minister for Corangamite Sarah Henderson has told ABC Radio Melbourne that she was offered a ministerial position in exchange for switching allegiance to support Peter Dutton.

“To be rewarded for an act of treachery would be a terrible thing,”

Jamie Walker 9.10am: Butcher told Dutton to give PM the chop

For the past 17 years, Brendale butcher Terry Orreal has been Peter Dutton’s touchstone, telling him how it was out there for local businesses and families, where he was going wrong, what he could be doing better.

Read the story in full here.

Greg Brown 9.05am: Abbott ‘motivated by bitterness’

Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman has accused Tony Abbott of being motivated by “bitterness and a desire for revenge” to bring down Malcolm Turnbull.

“To be frank, the foundation for a leadership challenge which is based on bitterness and desire for revenge is not the type of foundation that Australians want to see,” Mr Zimmerman told the ABC.

Greg Brown 9.00am: Labor to refer Dutton to inquiry

Labor will move a motion in the Senate this morning to try and refer Peter Dutton’s eligibility concerns to an inquiry.

Labor senator Louise Pratt will attempt to move the motion at 11.45am, will ask that the matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for an inquiry and a report to be delivered by September 11.

The motion will succeed with the support of Labor, the Greens and three crossbenchers.

Primrose Riordan 8.45am: Cormann in PM’s office

A meeting of Turnbull government ministers is still ongoing in the Prime Minister’s office this morning. Key player Mathias Cormann is also in the meeting.

Niki Savva 8.38am: Why PM could survive (for now)

It is possible Turnbull could survive, at least for the short term, but only if a number of scenarios hold. As leader, Turnbull decides when a party meeting is held to ­decide the leadership. Even if ­Dutton and supporters call for a spill today, Turnbull could dismiss it unless it transpires his support has eroded. If he can resist the pressure and stave off another confrontation for at least a fortnight when parliament resumes he will.

If Dutton prevails, the Governor-General may insist before swearing him in that he proves he has the confidence of the house. Failure would force an early ­election.

Read the article in full here

Peter Dutton arrives to address the media this morning. Picture: AAP.
Peter Dutton arrives to address the media this morning. Picture: AAP.

Joe Kelly 8.30am: ‘He can delay but not deny’

Tony Abbott told The Australian that Malcolm Turnbull could not deny the request for a party room meeting made this morning by Mr Dutton.

“He can delay but not deny,” Mr Abbott said. “Two members can require a meeting to move a spill ie Randall and Simpkins in 2015”.

Greg Brown 8.20am: PM refuses to call meeting

Malcolm Turnbull is refusing to call a partyroom meeting, sources close to Peter Dutton say.

Greg Brown 8.15am: Dutton’s brief presser

Peter Dutton made a very brief statement at a press conference and refused to take questions.

“As I put out, by way of statement earlier, earlier this morning I called the Prime Minister to advise him that it was my judgement that the majority of the partyroom no longer supported his leadership,” Mr Dutton said.

“As such, I asked him to convene a meeting of the Liberal Party at which I would challenge for the leadership of the parliamentary Liberal Party.”

He gave a little more away when the media chased him through the corridors of Parliament House, declaring he would not have called for a meeting if he did not have the numbers.

“I have been very appreciative of colleagues,” Mr Dutton said.

“I wouldn’t have contacted the Prime Minister if I didn’t believe we had a majority of support in the partyroom.”

Greg Brown 8.09am: Dutton releases legal advice

Minutes before a press conference, Peter Dutton has issued a press release attacking claims he may not be eligible to sit in parliament and releasing his legal advice.

“Over recent days a spurious and baseless campaign has been conducted against me in

relation to an alleged breach of section 44 of the constitution,” the statement said.

“The timing on the eve of current events in Australian politics is curious .

“There has never been any doubt about my eligibility to sit in the parliament and I attach the

unequivocal legal advice I obtained in 2017 to that effect.”

Mobile users click here.

Read the article in full here

Greg Brown 8.02am: Dutton presser at 8.10am

Peter Dutton will hold a press conference at 8.10am after telling Malcolm Turnbull he wanted to challenge for the leadership.

Greg Brown 7.50am: Dutton asks PM for partyroom meeting

Peter Dutton has asked Malcolm Turnbull to convene a partyroom meeting so he can challenge for the prime ministership.

“A few minutes ago I spoke with Malcolm Turnbull to advise him I believed the majority of the party room no longer supported his leadership,” Mr Dutton tweeted.

“Accordingly, I asked him to convene a party room meeting at which I would challenge for the leadership of the Parliamentary Liberal Party.”

Greg Brown 7.44am: Ministers’ resignations ‘not surprising’

Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman says the resignation of two junior ministers this morning was “disappointing but not surprising” as he urged his colleagues to get behind Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Zimmerman, a moderate powerbroker from NSW, said Michael Sukkar and Zed Seselja were two of the biggest advocates for a change in leadership to Peter Dutton.

He said the vow from Nationals MP Kevin Hogan to quit the government if there was a challenge against the Prime Minister reflected the view that people were sick of leadership instability in Canberra.

“What Kevin is reflecting is the frustration that I am getting from residents in my electorate, that we are in this position that, after having made a decision on Tuesday, there seem to be some of my colleagues who are not prepared to accept what was a pretty convincing result in Tuesday’s partyroom meeting,” Mr Zimmerman said.

He said he was not aware of a petition circulating and he was not aware of any MP who had changed their position since Tuesday’s ballot.

Greg Brown 7.40am: Dutton camp claims 25 signatures

The Dutton camp is claiming 25 MPs have signed a petition to call on a partyroom meeting, with 43 signatures needed.

Greg Brown 7.21am: Hogan ‘would support supply’

More on Kevin Hogan’s threat to go if the PM is removed: Mr Hogan said he would remain in the Nationals but would not attend Coalition partyroom meetings.

He said he would support a Dutton government in supply and no-confidence motions but would take legislation on a “case by case basis”.

“The model I intend to follow is similar to what the Western Australian National, Tony Crook did. I will continue to focus on what my community has sent me here to do. I thank them for their overwhelming support,” Mr Hogan said.

Kevin Hogansays he’ll go to the cross bench if Malcolm Turnbull is removed as PM. Picture: AAP.
Kevin Hogansays he’ll go to the cross bench if Malcolm Turnbull is removed as PM. Picture: AAP.

Simon Benson 7.20am: Sukkar’s letter

In resigning from the frontbench, Michael Sukkar told Malcolm Turnbull he could no longer serve as a junior minister.

Mr Sukkar told the Prime Minister that he could not meet his request to vote for him in any future leadership ballots.

The prime minister had refused to accept Mr Sukkar’s and Zed Seselja’s offer to resign on Tuesday after they voted for Mr Dutton in the leadership ballot

Michael Sukkzr's letter to the PM.
Michael Sukkzr's letter to the PM.

Greg Brown 7.10am: Hogan; I’ll go if Turnbull goes

Nationals MP Kevin Hogan says he will leave the government and sit on the crossbench if Malcolm Turnbull is removed as Prime Minister.

With a challenge to Mr Turnbull expected to come today from Peter Dutton, Mr Hogan warned the move would end the government’s slim majority in the House of Representatives.

“This constant rotation of Prime Ministers by both the Labor Party and the Liberal party, I cannot condone,” Mr Hogan said in a statement.

“I am announcing today, that if there is another leadership spill for the position of Prime Minister prior to the next federal election, I will remove myself from the government benches and sit on the cross benches.

“I have made this decision because my community is fed up. What we have been seeing in Canberra with leadership changes over the last 10 years, is letting our great country down.”

Greg Brown 7.05am: Dutton ‘Abbott’s puppet’

Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke says Peter Dutton is “effectively Tony Abbott’s puppet” as he slammed Malcolm Turnbull’s challenger for his record as health minister.

Mr Burke played down any potential electoral boost the government would receive from a change in leader, saying fighting Mr Dutton would be similar to Labor’s successful battle against the Abbott prime ministership.

“We’ve dealt with Tony Abbott before and Peter Dutton is effectively Tony Abbott’s puppet, this is Tony Abbott Mark 2,” Mr Burke told Sky News.

“When you saw him inventing tax policy on the run yesterday, a quick thought bubble and announce it as policy, my mind went straight back to knights and dames,” Mr Burke said.

“This bloke is just following the same sort of pattern already on his next day, a day after the challenge, as to Tony Abbott used to behave.

“He has the record of being the worst health minister that we’ve had, voted by doctors.”

7.00am: Sukkar, Seselja quit

Two ministers have quit Malcolm Turnbull’s government and will not be talked into staying.

Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar and Assistant Science Minister Zed Seselja have confirmed they have formerly tendered their resignations.

They both offered to quit after voting for Peter Dutton on Tuesday’s leadership challenge.

Michael Sukkar with Scott Morrison during Question Time last week. Picture: AAP.
Michael Sukkar with Scott Morrison during Question Time last week. Picture: AAP.

What’s making news:

A second leadership ballot is likely after supporters of Peter Dutton last night circulated a petition demanding the Prime Minister call a party room meeting and again put his job on the line.

Scott Morrison has laid a lethal charge against Peter Dutton, saying his proposal to remove the GST from household power bills would be “an absolute budget blowout”.

For the past 17 years, Brendale butcher Terry Orreal has been Mr Dutton’s touchstone, telling him how it was out there for local businesses and families, where he was going wrong, what he could be doing better.

Malcolm Turnbull was forced into another embarrassing backdown after the Senate rejected his big-business company tax cuts, leaving the government without its signature economic policy ahead of a looming election.

The PM has sought to shore-up backbench support by announcing his government will retain the pensioners’ energy supplement to ease the pain of higher power prices on the nation’s most vulnerable.

Peter Dutton has laid out a populist manifesto to win over colleagues, floating a $31 billion plan to axe GST on electricity bills and pledging a royal commission into energy and fuel companies.

Niki Savva writes that Peter Dutton’s 35 votes in the leadership ballotexposed the fragility of the Prime Minister’s position after what turned into his worst week in office, thanks to a guerrilla/gorilla campaign and his own missteps.

Momentum has continued to run against Malcolm Turnbull as Peter Dutton appealed to conservative voters and MPs with populist proposals on energy and Scott Morrison emerged as a compromise candidate, writes Dennis Shanahan.

Greg Sheridan writes that although our nation continues to motor along on the basis of its own momentum, our politics is failing at all levels.

More Coverage

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/politicsnow-second-challenge-looms-for-malcolm-turnbull/news-story/5ef778c8a30a7b0e07314391322b6db5