formerly a member of the Liberal Party but resigned following his election to the Speakership. Mr Slipper’s election to the Speakership helped strengthen the minority government of Prime Minister Hon. Julia Gillard, MP, by effectively increasing Labor’s vote on the floor of the House of Representatives from the
afraid the Prime Minister just doesn't get it. She doesn't understand how serious these allegations are. She doesn't appreciate that it is her judgement and her standards which are now very much at issue because Mr Slipper only assumed the chair because she engineered him into it”. The Prime Minister
commented that “it is appropriate that Mr Slipper has stood aside as Speaker whilst alleged criminal conduct is investigated. It is also appropriate for all parties to note the processes under way and treat them with respect”.
Hon. Julia Gillard, MP
current 75 to 74 votes to 76 to 73 votes. The investigation has raised
concerns about the integrity of the Speakership. The former Clerk of the Senate, Mr Harry Evans, commented that “both parties have contributed to degrading the office of Speaker, which should be held in high regard by the public and MPs, instead of using it as just another job for one of their number”. Mr Evans concluded that “it will take a long time to recover, if it ever does”. The Leader of the
Opposition, Hon. Tony Abbott, MP, commented that “on the issue of Mr Peter Slipper, the now stood-aside Speaker, can I say that it is vital and it is essential that all of the various issues and allegations confronting Mr Slipper be fully dealt with before he returns to the chair. I noticed that the Prime Minister today is trying to suggest that the allegations against Mr Slipper have previous parallels. Well, I'm
Investigation into Mr Craig Thomson, MP Mr Craig Thomson, MP, the Labor member for Dobell in New South Wales was the former Secretary of the Health Services Union (HSU) before being elected to Parliament in 2007. He is being investigated for alleged inappropriate use of his HSU corporate credit card and other expenditure. The investigation and its implications are serious
to support the Labor Government on the floor of the House. Up to this point, no criminal or civil charges have been directed against Mr Thomson. The Australian Government
agency Fair Work Australia (FWA) has undertaken an inquiry into the HSU. The report of the FWA was finally published in May after an inquiry which has taken over three years. The 1100 page report claimed Mr Thomson
Mr Harry Evans
THIRD READING: AUSTRALIA
Members of Parliament (Life Gold Pass) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 The Members of Parliament (Life Gold Pass) legislation closes the Life Gold Pass (LGP) scheme prospectively so that members who enter, or re-enter, the Parliament from the commencement of the legislation will not be able to accrue an entitlement to a LGP. In addition, the legislation reduces the travel entitlements for certain LGP holders and their spouses or de facto partners. The Special Minister of State,
Hon. Tony Abbott, MP
because of the Gillard Government’s slim hold on minority government. On 29 April, Mr Thomson’s membership of the Labor Party was suspended while the investigation proceeds. He has indicated that he will continue
Hon. Gary Gray, MP, commented that “the Life Gold Pass has a long history. The provision of travel benefits to sitting or retired senators and members, through issue of a Life Gold Pass, commenced on a limited basis in 1918 in the form of a Life Railway Pass and this was extended to include unlimited air travel in 1959. In 1973, an executive decision extended Life Gold Pass benefits to spouses and widows of Life Gold Pass holders”. Mr Gray noted that “in
2002, legislation was enacted to limit the number of return domestic trips available to Life Gold Pass holders, their spouses and widows. However, limiting the number of trips provided for all entitlees has not prevented ongoing criticism of the Life Gold Pass scheme on the grounds that its provisions exceed community standards”. The Shadow Special Minister
of State, Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, MP, advised that the opposition supported the legislation. Ms Bishop noted the importance of having an independent tribunal which sets members salaries and remuneration. Ms Bishop stated that it “was
appropriate that an independent tribunal exist and that members of Parliament and senators should not be involved in setting their own salaries and remuneration”. Ms Bishop noted that the legislation “accepts the recommendation of the now independent tribunal to limit entitlements under the gold pass scheme, closing it prospectively to new members and limiting existing entitlements”.