Liberal women's quota petition labelled ‘disgraceful' in party brawl
Former Liberal vice president Teena McQueen levelled the accusation in the group, according to two sources familiar with its contents who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to party rules banning talking to the media. McQueen declined to comment.
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Convicted MP rapist to oppose motion to expel him from state parliament
Lawyers for convicted rapist Gareth Ward have filed an injunction to stop his explusion from parliament, which means he will remain Kiama MP while he awaits his sentencing from behind bars. Parliament returned on Tuesday and it was expected a notice of motion to expel the disgraced politician would be put forward. However, NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed Ward's lawyers sought the injunction against leader of the lower house Ron Hoenig, with an urgent hearing to occur in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Mr Minns told 2GB radio on Tuesday morning that "most people would appreciate, it's an unconscionable situation to have someone who's currently sitting in Silverwater ... who is demanding to remain a member of parliament and continue to be paid". A vote the a motion to expel the former Liberal was to be delayed until Wednesday after lawyers raised concerns about procedural fairness. Ward, 44, has been in jail since last week after Judge Kara Shead SC granted a detention application to revoke his bail, after a jury found him guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. The Kiama MP since 2011 had faced a nine-week trial, which heard he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015, and touched and massaged an 18-year-old man in Meroo Meadow in 2013. He met both men through political circles. On the morning parliament returned NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman recommitted to supporting Ward's expulsion and working with the government "to get this done as quickly as possible" "However, Mr Ward's legal team should do whatever it takes to get a clear message to him - immediately resign," Mr Speakman said. "Every day he clings to his seat from a jail cell, taxpayers are footing the bill and the people of Kiama are left voiceless. It's not just wrong, it's offensive. "This is about decency, accountability, and basic respect for the community. Mr Ward should spare the Parliament, spare the courts, and above all, spare the people of NSW any further disgrace. "Step aside." Last week, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig sent a letter to Ward via his legal team notifying him of the parliament's plans to consider his expulsion. "I am sure you would appreciate that in view of the verdict of the jury convicting you of serious criminal offences that the House needs to consider whether your continued membership of the House requires it to act to protect the high standing of the Parliament so that it may discharge with the confidence of the community the great responsibility that it bears," the letter stated. The letter, seen by the Mercury, noted that Ward was in custody and would be unable to attend parliament when the expulsion motion is being debated. "Accordingly, I invite you to submit to me yourself or anyone on your behalf any statement or material you would want the House to consider prior to making any determination," the letter stated. It gave a deadline for submissions of 9am on August 5. Under the NSW Constitution Act, an MPs seat is declared vacant if they are convicted of a crime punishable by five years or more imprisonment. Ward is facing a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail. However, changes to the law in 2000 state that a conviction is considered to mean "once you have reached the end of the appeals process ... and not had the conviction overturned". Ward confirmed his intention to appeal in a press release issued last Friday. "I am taking advice about next steps, but I can confirm that I have provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity," he said. Parliament also has the power to expel an MP for "unworthy conduct". If the expulsioon is passed a byelection will be called for the seat of Kiama. Despite being charged with the offences in 2022, Ward was re-elected to the seat as an independent in 2023. Lawyers for convicted rapist Gareth Ward have filed an injunction to stop his explusion from parliament, which means he will remain Kiama MP while he awaits his sentencing from behind bars. Parliament returned on Tuesday and it was expected a notice of motion to expel the disgraced politician would be put forward. However, NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed Ward's lawyers sought the injunction against leader of the lower house Ron Hoenig, with an urgent hearing to occur in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Mr Minns told 2GB radio on Tuesday morning that "most people would appreciate, it's an unconscionable situation to have someone who's currently sitting in Silverwater ... who is demanding to remain a member of parliament and continue to be paid". A vote the a motion to expel the former Liberal was to be delayed until Wednesday after lawyers raised concerns about procedural fairness. Ward, 44, has been in jail since last week after Judge Kara Shead SC granted a detention application to revoke his bail, after a jury found him guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. The Kiama MP since 2011 had faced a nine-week trial, which heard he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015, and touched and massaged an 18-year-old man in Meroo Meadow in 2013. He met both men through political circles. On the morning parliament returned NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman recommitted to supporting Ward's expulsion and working with the government "to get this done as quickly as possible" "However, Mr Ward's legal team should do whatever it takes to get a clear message to him - immediately resign," Mr Speakman said. "Every day he clings to his seat from a jail cell, taxpayers are footing the bill and the people of Kiama are left voiceless. It's not just wrong, it's offensive. "This is about decency, accountability, and basic respect for the community. Mr Ward should spare the Parliament, spare the courts, and above all, spare the people of NSW any further disgrace. "Step aside." Last week, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig sent a letter to Ward via his legal team notifying him of the parliament's plans to consider his expulsion. "I am sure you would appreciate that in view of the verdict of the jury convicting you of serious criminal offences that the House needs to consider whether your continued membership of the House requires it to act to protect the high standing of the Parliament so that it may discharge with the confidence of the community the great responsibility that it bears," the letter stated. The letter, seen by the Mercury, noted that Ward was in custody and would be unable to attend parliament when the expulsion motion is being debated. "Accordingly, I invite you to submit to me yourself or anyone on your behalf any statement or material you would want the House to consider prior to making any determination," the letter stated. It gave a deadline for submissions of 9am on August 5. Under the NSW Constitution Act, an MPs seat is declared vacant if they are convicted of a crime punishable by five years or more imprisonment. Ward is facing a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail. However, changes to the law in 2000 state that a conviction is considered to mean "once you have reached the end of the appeals process ... and not had the conviction overturned". Ward confirmed his intention to appeal in a press release issued last Friday. "I am taking advice about next steps, but I can confirm that I have provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity," he said. Parliament also has the power to expel an MP for "unworthy conduct". If the expulsioon is passed a byelection will be called for the seat of Kiama. Despite being charged with the offences in 2022, Ward was re-elected to the seat as an independent in 2023. Lawyers for convicted rapist Gareth Ward have filed an injunction to stop his explusion from parliament, which means he will remain Kiama MP while he awaits his sentencing from behind bars. Parliament returned on Tuesday and it was expected a notice of motion to expel the disgraced politician would be put forward. However, NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed Ward's lawyers sought the injunction against leader of the lower house Ron Hoenig, with an urgent hearing to occur in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Mr Minns told 2GB radio on Tuesday morning that "most people would appreciate, it's an unconscionable situation to have someone who's currently sitting in Silverwater ... who is demanding to remain a member of parliament and continue to be paid". A vote the a motion to expel the former Liberal was to be delayed until Wednesday after lawyers raised concerns about procedural fairness. Ward, 44, has been in jail since last week after Judge Kara Shead SC granted a detention application to revoke his bail, after a jury found him guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. The Kiama MP since 2011 had faced a nine-week trial, which heard he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015, and touched and massaged an 18-year-old man in Meroo Meadow in 2013. He met both men through political circles. On the morning parliament returned NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman recommitted to supporting Ward's expulsion and working with the government "to get this done as quickly as possible" "However, Mr Ward's legal team should do whatever it takes to get a clear message to him - immediately resign," Mr Speakman said. "Every day he clings to his seat from a jail cell, taxpayers are footing the bill and the people of Kiama are left voiceless. It's not just wrong, it's offensive. "This is about decency, accountability, and basic respect for the community. Mr Ward should spare the Parliament, spare the courts, and above all, spare the people of NSW any further disgrace. "Step aside." Last week, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig sent a letter to Ward via his legal team notifying him of the parliament's plans to consider his expulsion. "I am sure you would appreciate that in view of the verdict of the jury convicting you of serious criminal offences that the House needs to consider whether your continued membership of the House requires it to act to protect the high standing of the Parliament so that it may discharge with the confidence of the community the great responsibility that it bears," the letter stated. The letter, seen by the Mercury, noted that Ward was in custody and would be unable to attend parliament when the expulsion motion is being debated. "Accordingly, I invite you to submit to me yourself or anyone on your behalf any statement or material you would want the House to consider prior to making any determination," the letter stated. It gave a deadline for submissions of 9am on August 5. Under the NSW Constitution Act, an MPs seat is declared vacant if they are convicted of a crime punishable by five years or more imprisonment. Ward is facing a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail. However, changes to the law in 2000 state that a conviction is considered to mean "once you have reached the end of the appeals process ... and not had the conviction overturned". Ward confirmed his intention to appeal in a press release issued last Friday. "I am taking advice about next steps, but I can confirm that I have provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity," he said. Parliament also has the power to expel an MP for "unworthy conduct". If the expulsioon is passed a byelection will be called for the seat of Kiama. Despite being charged with the offences in 2022, Ward was re-elected to the seat as an independent in 2023. Lawyers for convicted rapist Gareth Ward have filed an injunction to stop his explusion from parliament, which means he will remain Kiama MP while he awaits his sentencing from behind bars. Parliament returned on Tuesday and it was expected a notice of motion to expel the disgraced politician would be put forward. However, NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed Ward's lawyers sought the injunction against leader of the lower house Ron Hoenig, with an urgent hearing to occur in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Mr Minns told 2GB radio on Tuesday morning that "most people would appreciate, it's an unconscionable situation to have someone who's currently sitting in Silverwater ... who is demanding to remain a member of parliament and continue to be paid". A vote the a motion to expel the former Liberal was to be delayed until Wednesday after lawyers raised concerns about procedural fairness. Ward, 44, has been in jail since last week after Judge Kara Shead SC granted a detention application to revoke his bail, after a jury found him guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. The Kiama MP since 2011 had faced a nine-week trial, which heard he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015, and touched and massaged an 18-year-old man in Meroo Meadow in 2013. He met both men through political circles. On the morning parliament returned NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman recommitted to supporting Ward's expulsion and working with the government "to get this done as quickly as possible" "However, Mr Ward's legal team should do whatever it takes to get a clear message to him - immediately resign," Mr Speakman said. "Every day he clings to his seat from a jail cell, taxpayers are footing the bill and the people of Kiama are left voiceless. It's not just wrong, it's offensive. "This is about decency, accountability, and basic respect for the community. Mr Ward should spare the Parliament, spare the courts, and above all, spare the people of NSW any further disgrace. "Step aside." Last week, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig sent a letter to Ward via his legal team notifying him of the parliament's plans to consider his expulsion. "I am sure you would appreciate that in view of the verdict of the jury convicting you of serious criminal offences that the House needs to consider whether your continued membership of the House requires it to act to protect the high standing of the Parliament so that it may discharge with the confidence of the community the great responsibility that it bears," the letter stated. The letter, seen by the Mercury, noted that Ward was in custody and would be unable to attend parliament when the expulsion motion is being debated. "Accordingly, I invite you to submit to me yourself or anyone on your behalf any statement or material you would want the House to consider prior to making any determination," the letter stated. It gave a deadline for submissions of 9am on August 5. Under the NSW Constitution Act, an MPs seat is declared vacant if they are convicted of a crime punishable by five years or more imprisonment. Ward is facing a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail. However, changes to the law in 2000 state that a conviction is considered to mean "once you have reached the end of the appeals process ... and not had the conviction overturned". Ward confirmed his intention to appeal in a press release issued last Friday. "I am taking advice about next steps, but I can confirm that I have provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity," he said. Parliament also has the power to expel an MP for "unworthy conduct". If the expulsioon is passed a byelection will be called for the seat of Kiama. Despite being charged with the offences in 2022, Ward was re-elected to the seat as an independent in 2023.
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
‘Cautious': Visa crackdown sparks worry
Senior Liberal MP Tim Wilson says he is 'cautious' after Anthony Albanese's immigration chief revealed he had blocked dozens of visas to protect 'social cohesion'. Tony Burke holds a suite of powerful portfolios in the Albanese government, including home affairs and immigration. This gives him direct oversight of intelligence and policing concerns as well as the means to curb foreign threats, such as by rejecting visa applications. Immigration Minister Tony Burke says he has blocked dozens of visas to protect 'social cohesion'. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia With deteriorating social cohesion keeping the terror threat level high, Mr Burke has not hesitated to refuse entry to high-profile figures, including rapper Kanye West and conservative conspiracy theorist Candace Owens – both highly publicised ordeals. But in a recent interview, Mr Burke revealed he had refused many more that had not reached headlines. Mr Wilson said on Tuesday he was worried not everyone was being held to the same standard. Senior Liberal MP Tim Wilson says visa approval standards 'should be consistent'. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia 'I'm cautious because what it does is empower the minister,' the opposition industry and workplace relations spokesman told Nine's Today. He went on to say Mr Burke 'in 2018 advocated for a visa for somebody who believed in the enslavement and the punishment of homosexuals and the subjugation of women'. 'You need to make sure that there are clear guidelines that are broadly, equally applicable,' Mr Wilson said. 'If people are going to advocate for harm against Australians, the standard should be consistent, not based on what the minister simply decides based on the whim of the day or his political considerations.' More to come.
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Jostling for government hots up as final votes declared
Tasmanians hope to soon gain a clearer picture of their next government, as the declaration of poll ceremony finalises results of a snap election that left the state in political limbo. With the votes counted and elected members confirmed, focus shifts to high-stakes negotiations as the major parties vie to form the next government. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared his readiness to accept the "will of the people" as he positions the Liberal Party as the strongest contenders to form government. He revealed on Sunday he intends to ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission his government, saying he is keen to "get on with the job". "We want to work with each and every member of parliament to ensure everyone has their say," Mr Rockliff said. "Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together." The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents. Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday. Mr Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. Professor Razay didn't reveal whether he would support the Liberals or Labor when speaking to ABC Radio Hobart on Monday. "Nobody knows George's views until the day of voting because I like to listen to every opinion and do my background research and then make my opinion on that day," he said. "So I said to both, 'look don't worry about me, if you are able to form a government, I am going to support whoever forms a government'." Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow criticised Mr Rockliff's pledge, saying he had "learned nothing" from the starring role he played in the collapse of the last parliament. "The increasingly arrogant Premier claimed that without changing the way he operates, a new government he leads could last a full term,'' she said. "Despite losing the confidence of the house, he still thinks the last parliament was working well." The snap election on July 19 was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months. A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new stadium on Hobart's waterfront, which is a condition for Tasmania getting a side in the AFL. But the Greens and some independents are bitterly opposed to the plan. Tasmanians hope to soon gain a clearer picture of their next government, as the declaration of poll ceremony finalises results of a snap election that left the state in political limbo. With the votes counted and elected members confirmed, focus shifts to high-stakes negotiations as the major parties vie to form the next government. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared his readiness to accept the "will of the people" as he positions the Liberal Party as the strongest contenders to form government. He revealed on Sunday he intends to ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission his government, saying he is keen to "get on with the job". "We want to work with each and every member of parliament to ensure everyone has their say," Mr Rockliff said. "Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together." The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents. Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday. Mr Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. Professor Razay didn't reveal whether he would support the Liberals or Labor when speaking to ABC Radio Hobart on Monday. "Nobody knows George's views until the day of voting because I like to listen to every opinion and do my background research and then make my opinion on that day," he said. "So I said to both, 'look don't worry about me, if you are able to form a government, I am going to support whoever forms a government'." Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow criticised Mr Rockliff's pledge, saying he had "learned nothing" from the starring role he played in the collapse of the last parliament. "The increasingly arrogant Premier claimed that without changing the way he operates, a new government he leads could last a full term,'' she said. "Despite losing the confidence of the house, he still thinks the last parliament was working well." The snap election on July 19 was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months. A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new stadium on Hobart's waterfront, which is a condition for Tasmania getting a side in the AFL. But the Greens and some independents are bitterly opposed to the plan. Tasmanians hope to soon gain a clearer picture of their next government, as the declaration of poll ceremony finalises results of a snap election that left the state in political limbo. With the votes counted and elected members confirmed, focus shifts to high-stakes negotiations as the major parties vie to form the next government. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared his readiness to accept the "will of the people" as he positions the Liberal Party as the strongest contenders to form government. He revealed on Sunday he intends to ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission his government, saying he is keen to "get on with the job". "We want to work with each and every member of parliament to ensure everyone has their say," Mr Rockliff said. "Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together." The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents. Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday. Mr Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. Professor Razay didn't reveal whether he would support the Liberals or Labor when speaking to ABC Radio Hobart on Monday. "Nobody knows George's views until the day of voting because I like to listen to every opinion and do my background research and then make my opinion on that day," he said. "So I said to both, 'look don't worry about me, if you are able to form a government, I am going to support whoever forms a government'." Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow criticised Mr Rockliff's pledge, saying he had "learned nothing" from the starring role he played in the collapse of the last parliament. "The increasingly arrogant Premier claimed that without changing the way he operates, a new government he leads could last a full term,'' she said. "Despite losing the confidence of the house, he still thinks the last parliament was working well." The snap election on July 19 was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months. A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new stadium on Hobart's waterfront, which is a condition for Tasmania getting a side in the AFL. But the Greens and some independents are bitterly opposed to the plan. Tasmanians hope to soon gain a clearer picture of their next government, as the declaration of poll ceremony finalises results of a snap election that left the state in political limbo. With the votes counted and elected members confirmed, focus shifts to high-stakes negotiations as the major parties vie to form the next government. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared his readiness to accept the "will of the people" as he positions the Liberal Party as the strongest contenders to form government. He revealed on Sunday he intends to ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission his government, saying he is keen to "get on with the job". "We want to work with each and every member of parliament to ensure everyone has their say," Mr Rockliff said. "Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together." The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents. Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday. Mr Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. Professor Razay didn't reveal whether he would support the Liberals or Labor when speaking to ABC Radio Hobart on Monday. "Nobody knows George's views until the day of voting because I like to listen to every opinion and do my background research and then make my opinion on that day," he said. "So I said to both, 'look don't worry about me, if you are able to form a government, I am going to support whoever forms a government'." Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow criticised Mr Rockliff's pledge, saying he had "learned nothing" from the starring role he played in the collapse of the last parliament. "The increasingly arrogant Premier claimed that without changing the way he operates, a new government he leads could last a full term,'' she said. "Despite losing the confidence of the house, he still thinks the last parliament was working well." The snap election on July 19 was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months. A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new stadium on Hobart's waterfront, which is a condition for Tasmania getting a side in the AFL. But the Greens and some independents are bitterly opposed to the plan.
