Senior government ministers knew of Parry’s plight

Mitch Fifield says the former Senate President mentioned he was checking his family records in the last three weeks.

Former Senate President Stephen Parry. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch.

Senior government ministers knew former Senate President Stephen Parry had an issue with his citizenship as recently as three weeks ago, as conservative backbenchers today challenged Malcolm Turnbull’s authority by calling for a citizenship audit of all MPs.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield told The Australian that former Senator Parry, who resigned yesterday, “mentioned to me a few weeks ago that he was endeavouring to check his family’s records.”

“The onus is on all Senators and Members to satisfy themselves of their circumstances and I encouraged Senator Parry to do so,” Senator Fifield said. “He called me on Monday to say that he had sought advice from the British Home Office and had advised the Attorney-General of this.”

Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas.

While the Prime Minister and his senior ministers closed ranks yesterday to fend-off growing calls for a review of MPs citizenship, backbench MPs defied the cabinet position by pushing for an audit.

Support for an audit has intensified since Liberal Senate President Parry resigned after The Australian revealed he was a British dual national, becoming the eighth MP to fall foul of section 44 of the constitution and the sixth to leave parliament.

Senator Parry was understood to be deeply shocked by Friday’s High Court decision because general discussions, including with ministers, had led him to invest confidence in the advice of the Solicitor General, which Mr Turnbull confidently said would clear those government MPs with a cloud over their head.

Mr Parry moved quickly to determine whether he was a British citizen following the High Court decision and is understood to be frustrated with colleagues who today criticised his delay in coming forward.