It's beyond the joke now.
We need an election.
John Alexander has now resigned but all the dual citizens still haven't been shaken out.
All legislation passed is under a cloud.
That would include any legislation passed after the SSM plebiscite is determined.
It's beyond the joke now.
We need an election.
John Alexander has now resigned but all the dual citizens still haven't been shaken out.
All legislation passed is under a cloud.
That would include any legislation passed after the SSM plebiscite is determined.
Agree. This needs to be seriously fixed and quickly! We must be a laughing stock in international circles. >:(
It's beyond the joke now.
We need an election.
John Alexander has now resigned but all the dual citizens still haven't been shaken out.
All legislation passed is under a cloud.
That would include any legislation passed after the SSM plebiscite is determined.
This mean we have to give back the 1977 Davis Cup?...lol.
I find it difficult to believe that the Parties don't check all this out before putting these people up as candidates.
Due process and all that sort of thing.
How it has gotten to this is a joke.
It's beyond the joke now.
We need an election.
John Alexander has now resigned but all the dual citizens still haven't been shaken out.
All legislation passed is under a cloud.
That would include any legislation passed after the SSM plebiscite is determined.
Not really. There's a High Court decision that means legislation passed on the votes of ineligible senators and/or members of the House of Representatives is valid.
However, another part of the constitution requires Ministers to be elected within three months of appointment. Ministerial decisions made by ineligible MPs/Senators more than three months after the last election are probably invalid. Expect High Court challenges to some of Tomato Head's decisions before much longer.
It's not rocket science; if you want to stand for Parliament check your ancestry and do the paperwork to renounce any other citizenry.
Of course, Kim Jong Un could decree that all Australians are citizens of North Korea and no-one could stand for Parliament :)
A law clarifying Australian citizen in the event of other countries, Hungary for example, making expats citizens should be enacted immediately.
Absolutely, it's not about Section 44, it's how blindingly dumb these politicians are!
And we elect the and pay them to make decisions for us - doesn't say much about we the sheeple, does it!
I haven't seen any mention of state parliaments and even local councils. There's must be a few more worried rep's.
Should the pollies who have been caught lose their pay and entitlements?
They must love the Murdoch press whose idea of investigative journalism is to have none.
Bratblue - State politicians aren't covered by this, it is only Federal.
While everything should have been checked and crossed off, some of dual citizenships seem quite obscure. It will be interesting to see what becomes of those who have citizenship of a country which can't be renounced (there are a few, can't recall them).
I have some (very limited) sympathy for a couple of the obscure ones - I wonder what would happen if a detailed check was made over the last 30 years, how many invalidly elected parliamentarians there have been.
This is proving why politicians are regarded as they are - it would be easy to get someone to check each pollie's background to determine if they are in the clear or doubtful and to refer doubtful ones. How is it there two more were "outed" over the last week when they knew what was going on? How is it that there seems to be genuine queries over a few more.
Not hard. Sort it out.
Having an election would probably be the worst thing possible, as no one would vote for the big parties. This would increase the loonies even further....
What a bunch of dills. Now most likely Lambie gone. The One Nation replacement for Roberts is no longer representing One Nation.
Not only are most self serving, but they are daft. Bad politicians playing bad politics. SSM survey result in on Wednesday and the 'No' side are looking at some amazing discrimination clauses should that side not be the popular choice.
It would be nice to have a group of people that are governing Australia for Australia.
What a bunch of dills. Now most likely Lambie gone. The One Nation replacement for Roberts is no longer representing One Nation.
Not only are most self serving, but they are daft. Bad politicians playing bad politics. SSM survey result in on Wednesday and the 'No' side are looking at some amazing discrimination clauses should that side not be the popular choice.
It would be nice to have a group of people that are governing Australia for Australia.
Do you still not want a general election dodge ;)
What a bunch of dills.
I think the term is crooks!
Lods - can you imagine the campaign and who gets elected? I really don't know now with so many unelected Senate members and the couple of by-elections. Maybe it is a good chance to wipe the slate clean - although that was also meant to happen last time. It is no wonder that Brexit, Trump etc get up.
Whats the actual purpose of the rule? If am born and bred here, but have dual cit due to a parent, whats the big deal?
Lods - can you imagine the campaign and who gets elected? I really don't know now with so many unelected Senate members and the couple of by-elections. Maybe it is a good chance to wipe the slate clean - although that was also meant to happen last time. It is no wonder that Brexit, Trump etc get up.
Before we did go to a full election we would have to make sure every candidate was legit
That in itself would be a bit of a task.
You have to wonder though.... until this problem became an issue how many people have sat in Parliament over the years and been dual citizens.
It's the constitution that needs to change.
On swearing in as a member of Parliament surely it just needs a statement along the lines of "I hereby relinquish any previous allegiances and citizenship and pledge that my loyalty is to Australia alone."
Whats the actual purpose of the rule? If am born and bred here, but have dual cit due to a parent, whats the big deal?
The purpose is to try to ensure that our elected representatives don't have allegiance to any other country. I think that the requirement is eminently sensible and it shouldn't be hard for those who put their hands up for election to ensure that they have renounced any other citizenship. If they can't manage that, they shouldn't be in parliament.
Of course, as we have seen recently, China has been able obtain allegiance from some parliamentarians by offering financial inducements, donations etc. That should be a sackable offence too.
If your parents barracked for the Bummers would that make you a Bummer supporter by descent?? :o
If your parents barracked for the Bummers would that make you a Bummer supporter by descent?? :o
Not this little Navy Blue duck, I renounced my alliegance a long time ago...
Not this little Navy Blue duck, I renounced my alliegance a long time ago...
But did you get the official paperwork A? ;)
Sarah Hanson Young cant be removed from parliament can she?...she has a double barrelled name is that close enough for dual citizenship......? ;)
Not this little Navy Blue duck, I renounced my alliegance a long time ago...
+1 dad was a bomber, mum was indifferent, but grandfather on that side was a Hawk.
I went straight to the Navy Blue!
The purpose is to try to ensure that our elected representatives don't have allegiance to any other country. I think that the requirement is eminently sensible and it shouldn't be hard for those who put their hands up for election to ensure that they have renounced any other citizenship. If they can't manage that, they shouldn't be in parliament.
Of course, as we have seen recently, China has been able obtain allegiance from some parliamentarians by offering financial inducements, donations etc. That should be a sackable offence too.
What a load of crap really.
I haven't taken up my eligibility to Greek citizenship and I could qualify, but never bothered.
Ive also married a migrant from the European Union which therefore could qualify me for dual citizenship.
I could serve in parliament and then take up foreign citizenship easily enough, but either way it wont change the way I feel about my nation of birth, vs other nations I have any allegiance to.
At the end of the day, the world has changed and this is an archaic rule based on a non multicultural society which we have become.
I think dual citizenship shouldnt be a deal breaker here. It just doesnt make sense for a fledgling nation and so much migration.
In the height of irony.......John Alexander will have to re-contest his seat against someone who was actually born in another country & lived there a fair chunk of her life (Kristina Keneally).....
Ridiculous.
It's fun to watch conservatives being bitten by their own guard dog: a constitution written when we were a colony of the UK, air travel didn't exist, and there were no cars in Australia.
They have always urged that the Constitution should be read strictly and no attempt should be made to interpret it according to modern circumstances. They should be happy that they've got their way. Of course the result is ridiculous, but at least it might give them some food for thought.
Don't expect them to give up their attempts to invoke the Old Testament, written over 2 Millenia ago, to oppose newfangled concepts like same sex marriage.
And don't expect conservatives in the US to accept that a bunch of wig-wearing slave owners in 1788 might not be the bastions of wisdom when it comes to things like gun-rights.
What a load of crap really.
I haven't taken up my eligibility to Greek citizenship and I could qualify, but never bothered.
Ive also married a migrant from the European Union which therefore could qualify me for dual citizenship.
I could serve in parliament and then take up foreign citizenship easily enough, but either way it wont change the way I feel about my nation of birth, vs other nations I have any allegiance to.
At the end of the day, the world has changed and this is an archaic rule based on a non multicultural society which we have become.
I think dual citizenship shouldnt be a deal breaker here. It just doesnt make sense for a fledgling nation and so much migration.
I disagree Thry.
Banning folk with allegiance to a foreign power from standing for parliament was a good move at the end of the 19th century and it is equally valid now. If someone wants to stand for parliament, they should renounce all other allegiances. It is the Australian parliament, not the Australian-Scottish parliament or whatever other country folk may have ties to. Section 44 has only been in force for 116 years and I reckon that's plenty of time for those who want to lead to know that they have to sort out their citizenship.
To me it's like someone saying, "I barrack for Carlton, but I also support Richmond."
However, I think that the US constitution goes too far in banning non-natural born citizens from running for president.
It's beyond the joke now.
We need an election.
John Alexander has now resigned but all the dual citizens still haven't been shaken out.
All legislation passed is under a cloud.
That would include any legislation passed after the SSM plebiscite is determined.
A friend who is a bit left-field at the best of times suggested this whole saga is being played out and dragged out deliberately. What is getting pushed through parliament quietly while all this nonsense is being played out publicly?
Misdirection?
A friend who is a bit left-field at the best of times suggested this whole saga is being played out and dragged out deliberately. What is getting pushed through parliament quietly while all this nonsense is being played out publicly?
Misdirection?
There's a pretty simple way to find out:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation
We may have some dodgy politicians but our parliamentary systems are quite robust and transparent.
What a load of crap really.
I haven't taken up my eligibility to Greek citizenship and I could qualify, but never bothered.
Ive also married a migrant from the European Union which therefore could qualify me for dual citizenship.
I could serve in parliament and then take up foreign citizenship easily enough, but either way it wont change the way I feel about my nation of birth, vs other nations I have any allegiance to.
At the end of the day, the world has changed and this is an archaic rule based on a non multicultural society which we have become.
I think dual citizenship shouldnt be a deal breaker here. It just doesnt make sense for a fledgling nation and so much migration.
I agree, its a crock of crape.
What makes this such a nonsense is that over the years there must have been hundreds of Parliamentarians who have gone through their entire political careers as dual citizens and therefore ineligible to sit.
Menzies' grandfather was Scottish, Fraser's Canadian further back there is probably more PM's with dubious nationality...Billy Hughes parents were Welsh.
It's a farce :(
Sarah Hanson Young cant be removed from parliament can she?...she has a double barrelled name is that close enough for dual citizenship......? ;)
That would be the little known Section 44 (xxiii) which reads something along the lines of people owing allegiance to two surnames being ineligible ????
I'm sure that Sarah is a nice person but she has a very annoying way about her.
That would be the little known Section 44 (xxiii) which reads something along the lines of people owing allegiance to two surnames being ineligible ????
I'm sure that Sarah is a nice person but she has a very annoying way about her.
Annoying she is....When I see her and Pauline trading verbal blows I fear for the future of the country....
Annoying she is....When I see her and Pauline trading verbal blows I fear for the future of the country....
I'd back Sarah if it came to actual blows ;)
Not that I'm condoning violence but, when our politicians slag off at each other, I'm reminded of "Two Tribes" by Frankie goes to Hollywood. I'd prefer to see heads of government slugging it out in preference to sending their young men (and some women) to war.
Annoying she is....When I see her and Pauline trading verbal blows I fear for the future of the country....
Hmmm. I know you are not a fan of the Greens EB, but when you stand Sarah next to someone like Peter Dutton, well, I honestly fear for this country if people genuinely cannot see the damage far right conservatives do to do this country and it’s international reputation when compared to the greens. To call him repugnant is to hold back in my dissapointment. Utterly vile human being. Abbott, Andrews, Abetz, Morrison..nasty, self righteous, vindictive men. So yes, there are politicians far worse than Hansen-Young.
I was sad to see Jackie Lambie go. Rough diamond? Definitely. Genuine, ex military, battler raising kids on welfare. Family drug issues? None of which you would ever wish on anyone and yet would certainly never hear associated with the Liberals. Too busy hitching tax payer funded helicopter rides to visit their friends. Say what you want about her, she has courage and conviction and did’nt take crap from anyone. I admire that.
Liberals have given us a show over the last couple of terms. Very little of it good, if you listen to people not on their pay roll. There will be an early election. Count on it. Turnbull will blink, feeling itchy shoulder blades. Labour will annihilate them in an election, even with the fear mongering by the LNP. You can read them like a book. I’m sure there will be some terrorist concerns to distract people. Malcolm will be wearing his pristine leather bomber jacket and standing next to intimidating police/army types who actually do this stuff for a living. Quite sad really. Awesome country being ruined by people who want to divide citizens and who are hellbent on keeping to message and control the media coverage. I can understand why some people don’t watch the news.
Politicians don’t have a lot of time left in their diaries after focusing on their top two priorities. Being voted in and staying there. Make it 4 year terms so they actually have to focus on working with the opposition for the good of the country and put them all on minimum wage for a conpulsory 6 months. I’m sure they’ll “see the light” and grow some empathy to the battlers of this country. Not many politicians who I have time for. Lambie was at least genuine. One of the perks of being an independent, you sing from your hymn sheet.
Please. I used to enjoy this site, can we please ban ill-informed political grandstanding
Hmmm. I know you are not a fan of the Greens EB, but when you stand Sarah next to someone like Peter Dutton, well, I honestly fear for this country if people genuinely cannot see the damage far right conservatives do to do this country and it’s international reputation when compared to the greens. To call him repugnant is to hold back in my dissapointment. Utterly vile human being. Abbott, Andrews, Abetz, Morrison..nasty, self righteous, vindictive men. So yes, there are politicians far worse than Hansen-Young.
I was sad to see Jackie Lambie go. Rough diamond? Definitely. Genuine, ex military, battler raising kids on welfare. Family drug issues? None of which you would ever wish on anyone and yet would certainly never hear associated with the Liberals. Too busy hitching tax payer funded helicopter rides to visit their friends. Say what you want about her, she has courage and conviction and did’nt take crap from anyone. I admire that.
Liberals have given us a show over the last couple of terms. Very little of it good, if you listen to people not on their pay roll. There will be an early election. Count on it. Turnbull will blink, feeling itchy shoulder blades. Labour will annihilate them in an election, even with the fear mongering by the LNP. You can read them like a book. I’m sure there will be some terrorist concerns to distract people. Malcolm will be wearing his pristine leather bomber jacket and standing next to intimidating police/army types who actually do this stuff for a living. Quite sad really. Awesome country being ruined by people who want to divide citizens and who are hellbent on keeping to message and control the media coverage. I can understand why some people don’t watch the news.
Politicians don’t have a lot of time left in their diaries after focusing on their top two priorities. Being voted in and staying there. Make it 4 year terms so they actually have to focus on working with the opposition for the good of the country and put them all on minimum wage for a conpulsory 6 months. I’m sure they’ll “see the light” and grow some empathy to the battlers of this country. Not many politicians who I have time for. Lambie was at least genuine. One of the perks of being an independent, you sing from your hymn sheet.
Yep, it will be a landslide.
That doesn't make Labor any better.
Please. I used to enjoy this site, can we please ban ill-informed political grandstanding
Hmmm ... if only there was some way to warn you that this is a political and non-footy thread so you could have simply avoided opening it up ...
Hmmm. I know you are not a fan of the Greens EB, but when you stand Sarah next to someone like Peter Dutton, well, I honestly fear for this country if people genuinely cannot see the damage far right conservatives do to do this country and it’s international reputation when compared to the greens. To call him repugnant is to hold back in my dissapointment. Utterly vile human being. Abbott, Andrews, Abetz, Morrison..nasty, self righteous, vindictive men. So yes, there are politicians far worse than Hansen-Young.
I was sad to see Jackie Lambie go. Rough diamond? Definitely. Genuine, ex military, battler raising kids on welfare. Family drug issues? None of which you would ever wish on anyone and yet would certainly never hear associated with the Liberals. Too busy hitching tax payer funded helicopter rides to visit their friends. Say what you want about her, she has courage and conviction and did’nt take crap from anyone. I admire that.
Liberals have given us a show over the last couple of terms. Very little of it good, if you listen to people not on their pay roll. There will be an early election. Count on it. Turnbull will blink, feeling itchy shoulder blades. Labour will annihilate them in an election, even with the fear mongering by the LNP. You can read them like a book. I’m sure there will be some terrorist concerns to distract people. Malcolm will be wearing his pristine leather bomber jacket and standing next to intimidating police/army types who actually do this stuff for a living. Quite sad really. Awesome country being ruined by people who want to divide citizens and who are hellbent on keeping to message and control the media coverage. I can understand why some people don’t watch the news.
Politicians don’t have a lot of time left in their diaries after focusing on their top two priorities. Being voted in and staying there. Make it 4 year terms so they actually have to focus on working with the opposition for the good of the country and put them all on minimum wage for a conpulsory 6 months. I’m sure they’ll “see the light” and grow some empathy to the battlers of this country. Not many politicians who I have time for. Lambie was at least genuine. One of the perks of being an independent, you sing from your hymn sheet.
True Woody, I am not a fan of the Greens ...agree on Jackie Lambie though, something likeable about her genuine streetwise approach to being a politician and she has had her struggles but
I admire how she battles on and learns the craft of being a polly on the job..hope to see her back in Parliment.
Tony Abbott......dont like him or his politics...but thats for another day...