The chamber fell silent for a moment as politicians tried to grasp the relevance and intent of the question.
The speaker looked to Gerrard who quickly drew his finger across his neck on the pretext of adjusting his collar to indicate she should reject the question.
‘Before I call the prime minister, I will seek advice.’ The speaker leaned forward in her chair and beckoned the clerk to come forward. Gordon moved promptly to her side and they whispered together.
‘What’s this about, Gordon? Is it relevant and within practice?’
‘Yes, it could be interpreted so – the parliamentary register of interests is a matter for the parliament – but it is not government business, so it is up to you to allow it.’ Gordon stepped away and resumed his seat.
The speaker moved further forward in her seat to address the chamber. ‘The question goes to the issue of personal interests and the parliamentary register of members’ interests which is publicly accessible to those who may be interested in such things, and has nothing to do with the issue of government. I rule the question out of order.’
Messenger was quickly back at the despatch box, and the chamber quietened.
‘On indulgence and addressing your ruling, Madam Speaker. Many times in its history the parliament has sought information from particular members about gifts they have received and investments they may have. This is no different. It is a question of clarification about whether the prime minister is required under parliamentary rules to add information to the parliamentary register of members’ interests prior to the house rising later this week, and if so, for what reason he is required to do so, as is required of all members of this parliament.’
Bruce came quickly back to the despatch box.
‘In response to the honourable member’s comments, can I add that it is not common practice to discuss the personal interests of members, and we agree with your ruling.’
‘I have already ruled on this matter; the question is out of order. The member for Banks.’
‘Madam Speaker, can I speak to your ruling?’ Messenger asked. ‘No, I have already ruled.’
‘Can I seek leave to move a motion of dissent in your ruling?’ ‘The member for Gellibrand would know there has been a bipartisan agreement to not move motions of the type he is suggesting, so leave is not granted.’
‘On a point of order, Madam Speaker, I wish to move a motion and the standing orders of this parliament allow for motions to be moved.’
‘The member will realise that his protestations have been recorded in Hansard and his rejection of my ruling will be recorded formally within this discussion. We are not proceeding with any further debate on this matter and I call the member for Banks to ask her question.’
Messenger withdrew and sought a brief huddled whispered consultation with the leadership group.
‘What the hell was that all about?’ Messenger asked, perplexed. ‘A simple question got that reaction from the speaker!’
‘Why are you asking it anyway?’ hissed Harper. ‘You’re supposed to keep to tactics for chrissakes.’
‘Got him in the goolies though, didn’t it?’ Campbell said, quite chuffed.
‘I asked it because it was given to me,’ Messenger responded. ‘He obviously didn’t like it.’
‘At least it stopped his rants,’ Stanley said.
‘That may be so, but while I am leader, we stick to the plan. Agreed?’
The environment minister was finishing her answer about the cost of relocation of wind turbines and the impact on the government’s climate change policy, but before Stanley could get to the despatch box to ask his rostered question, Gerrard stood at the despatch box microphone.
‘I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.’ This immediately closed question time and Gerrard stormed from the chamber like a man on a mission.
The opposition sat momentarily stunned by the prime minister’s response. They couldn’t understand what had just happened in the chamber and no-one else watching did either. The parliament slowly returned to itself and members sauntered from the chamber leaving Meredith Bruce tabling papers, including the program for Thursday’s notice paper. It was then the turn of the clerk to table petitions. Gordon read out various petitions from member constituents concerned about a particular local issue – having petitions signed by hordes of citizens and subsequently ignored by everyone was an integral part of the political process.
As Gordon read the petitions robotically, as he had done for many years, he pondered his question and the subsequent reaction from the prime minister in closing down further questions. His list now took on deeper meaning as he added Gerrard’s reaction to it.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
WEDNESDAY 2.55 PM
‘What was all that about?’ Wilson Campbell asked the leadership group as they came together for a quick debrief in the opposition members’ lounge outside the chamber. ‘Gerrard was unbelievably confrontational today.’
‘We were smashed, quite frankly,’ Messenger said.
‘Don’t overstate it,’ said Harper. ‘Sure, he was over the top, but the media understands the difficulty we have.’
‘You are kidding me, James, aren’t you?’ Messenger said. ‘We were dreadful in there. We were smashed, and I suspect some folks, especially those in the media, are beginning to believe his rubbish.’
‘Ease up, Bart.’ Stanley tried to change the tone and focus. ‘Hey, what twigged Gerrard? He certainly didn’t like the disclosure question. How come you asked it, Bart?’
‘I received an anonymous note from someone in the chamber soon after we started. I assume it was from the government – who else would send me such information? He was a little touchy on the issue though, wasn’t he?’
‘It means nothing,’ said Harper, moving away from the group and ending the conversation. ‘I’ll be in my office.’ The others lingered, watching him go.
‘He’s a little bruised, I suspect.’ Stanley observed. ‘He needs some downtime, alone.’
‘If we keep him as leader we’ll have more downtime than we can handle,’ said Hughes after a short pause. ‘He should not have agreed to that stupid no-vote deal with Gerrard. We could have moved a motion, and we should have done it, no matter what the deal is with the government.’
‘I’m with you, Hughsie,’ Campbell said. ‘Shove it up ’em, I say.’
‘It doesn’t matter, we only have one day left,’ Stanley sighed.
‘Yes, it does matter,’ objected Hughes. ‘We have an opportunity to push for a general election, not just the by-elections in February.’
‘How do you mean?’ Campbell asked.
‘If we move a no-confidence motion against Gerrard, either today or tomorrow, and we win the vote, then there’s no option other than to prorogue the parliament,’ Hughes said. ‘We then run a general election instead of the by-elections, and campaign about overturning all the changes Gerrard has made in the last few years. We beat them in an election, and we take government, finally.’
‘Sounds great, Chris, but I suspect it might be too much for us to get organised in a day,’ Stanley added. ‘Jimmy wouldn’t agree to it anyway.’
‘We don’t need him,’ Messenger said. ‘Maybe it’s a little harsh to think about it right now, but it’s an option we may have to consider at some point. Gerrard could be right, we may never win an election under the current leadership.’
No-one spoke as the significance of Messenger’s suggestion slowly sank in.
‘It’s not something we should be talking about,’ Stanley said finally, moving off.
‘Not yet,’ said Hughes. ‘Let’s chat about it another time.’
‘What say we have dinner together and discuss tomorrow’s tactics, Bart?’ Stanley said. ‘What about you, Willy, want to join us? Let’s meet at the Wild Duck, I feel like a Chinese feed.’
‘Count me in,’ said Campbell. ‘I love that place.’
They moved off, and Messenger headed
for a coffee, texting Anita as he walked, asking her to join him.
ALREADY HERE. WILL WAIT FOR YOU.
‘How come you weren’t at question time?’ Messenger said as he sat down with his latte. ‘Are you working on something more important?’ He shook sugar into his glass, stirred, and licked the froth from the spoon.
Anita smiled. ‘As I understand it, you were smashed anyway.’
‘Yeah. Gerrard had his knife out and wanted our blood today. I suspect he may have drawn a drop or two.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘He may end up with Harper’s scalp on his belt.’
‘What?!’ Anita checked herself at once, regretting her outburst. Leaning forward she whispered, ‘What are you saying?’
‘We won’t win government while Harper is leader. I think it’s time for him to go – by the way, this is off the record.’ Messenger trusted Anita, but not fully – she was a political journalist after all. ‘Have you had much feedback since your retirement story?’
‘You can’t change the subject like that, Bart, and expect to fob me off. What are you planning?’
‘Nothing, I can absolutely guarantee you that. I have a dinner later tonight to talk about the by-elections. We have nothing else planned, I promise.’
Anita sat quietly, looking at Barton, who stared into his coffee to avoid her gaze, knowing she wanted more information from him.
‘Anita, it’s been a stressful few days, and I suspect we are jumping at shadows at the moment.’ Messenger tried to ease the tension. ‘Gerrard got us today, and it just highlighted the leader’s weaknesses, that’s all.’
Anita continued to study Bart and said finally, ‘Strangely, no-one has called me about the resignation piece.’ Now Anita wanted to change the subject. ‘But did you know the prime minister’s wife is off to Zurich tomorrow?’
This information meant nothing to Messenger. ‘You mentioned that before, so what?’
‘Well, my cynical friend, my spy told me to follow the money, and the fact that the prime minister’s wife is off to the private money capital of the world must mean something.’
‘What money?’
‘That’s my problem at the moment. I don’t know what money there is floating about to take advantage of, unless there’s something going on with the funding for the immigration centres.’
‘The government have deferred any consideration of that money until February next year, after the by-elections. Anyway, it’s been approved by our side so it really is no big deal. We’ll need to scrutinise the legislation when it finally makes an appearance to make sure the funds are being dispersed properly.’ Messenger seemed uninterested in Anita’s story. ‘If you want to follow a conspiracy, why not question Gerrard over his response to a question today.’
‘I thought he did you over?’
‘He did, but he cut off question time when he was well and truly kicking us in the head.’ Messenger sipped his coffee. ‘I asked him about being required to add to his member’s interests disclosure.’
‘Why would that worry him?’
‘It normally wouldn’t – we all have to do it. What was really strange though, was that I was sent a note by someone from the other side to ask him the question, and once I did, he shut down questions.’
‘Who sent you the note?’ Anita scribbled something in her notebook.
‘I don’t know.’
‘Interesting a government member would think that question was important enough to ask the prime minister, and then get you to ask it. I wonder who it could be?’
‘You really are seeing conspiracy in every little thing these days, aren’t you? How’s your story going for you?’
‘Since you’ve asked, let me tell you what I know.’ Anita was keen to share. ‘I’ve learnt the Indonesians have started work on the first immigration centre on Ambon. This is not unusual, but what is strange is that they haven’t got the money from the Australian government yet.’
‘Yeah, we asked a question about that.’
‘What was the response?’ Anita again scribbled notes.
‘They didn’t care, and said the Indonesians could do whatever they wanted,’ Messenger said. ‘Gerrard implied it was an act of goodwill.’
‘They have never started anything in the past without funding.’ Anita took a mouthful of coffee. ‘Indeed, the president said at the very start of negotiations he would not touch a blade of grass until he received the money or legislation was passed guaranteeing prescribed payments, something to do with capital investment and cash flow.’
‘Yet he starts capital works last Sunday without any money. Go figure.’ Messenger drained his coffee.
‘Do you think he already has the money?’
‘No,’ Messenger laughed. ‘They’re not likely to have any funds until at least February. The house is not due to approve it until we return next year.’
‘Unless he’s on a promise, it seems to me they’re acting as if they already have it,’ Anita said.
‘You know the Indonesians. When it comes to money, never stand between them and a bag of cash.’
‘You can’t say that.’
‘Why?’
‘It’s racist and out of character for you to say such a thing.’
Messenger dropped his head, a little embarrassed. ‘Sorry, I meant it as a joke.’
The silence between them was uncomfortable.
‘What normally needs to go on a member’s disclosure?’ Anita finally asked.
‘Literally anything that comes our way. We have to list all gifts, like tickets to the football, or the theatre,’ Messenger replied. ‘We have to immediately list any changes to our financial position, all our bank accounts, even credit cards. It’s so cumbersome to keep track of it all, and I’m not sure why they need the details.’
‘So if you open a bank account, you need to disclose.’
‘Yeah, sure. Absolutely.’
‘If you were married, and your wife or children opened an account?’
‘Yep, it all has to be declared, sometimes beforehand.’
‘Even if they were in Switzerland?’ Anita flirted with the idea.
Messenger’s phone buzzed a message.
PM IS WORKING ON A SCHEME.
‘Do you recognise this number?’ He showed Anita his phone, slightly baffled by the message. ‘Now someone else seems to be pushing a conspiracy.’
Anita squinted at the number on the screen. ‘No. What does it say?’
‘It suggests the prime minister is up to something.’
Gordon O’Brien had been waiting for more than twenty minutes in the speaker’s office for her return. He’d been told she’d slipped out to visit the prime minister after question time and would return shortly. He gave up waiting for her after thirty minutes and returned to his office, having instructed Bagshaw’s staff to call him when she returned.
He was frustrated by the behaviour and events in question time and wondered about the prime minister’s reaction to the question he had sent Messenger. He took out the phone George Nikolaos had dropped off earlier, and contemplated it. After a few moments, he sat forward and took his official phone from his pocket and searched his contact list, finding the number he was searching for, and began tapping a message into the new phone. He pushed send, taking the first step on a regrettable journey he hoped he would not have to finish.
PM IS WORKING ON A SCHEME.
It was another ninety minutes before Gordon was advised the speaker had returned, so he immediately walked to her office to speak to her in person, rather than use the phone.
‘Speaker, I wish to counsel you on a most serious breach of protocol in question time today.’
‘What’s the problem, Gordon? It’s all politics, no-one cares.’
‘I do.’
‘Well, you only have one day left, so I suspect no-one really cares what you think.’
Gordon watched Bagshaw reach for her glass of water. She almost toppled from her chair. �
�Are you drunk?’
‘I may have had a glass of wine at lunch, but of course I am not drunk. What are you suggesting?’
‘I am suggesting, Madam Speaker, that you do your job and manage the parliament as it should be managed, and not allow the prime minister to bully you as he did today.’
Bagshaw smiled. ‘I can assure you, the prime minister is not bullying me. In fact, we have been meeting together just now to discuss arrangements for tomorrow’s adjournment of parliament.’
‘Although we only have one day remaining, you must remain impartial, especially if it gets challenging in the chamber as it did today.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘It is important that the parliament and its processes are not compromised.’ Gordon hesitated. ‘I remain suspicious that there may be a challenge to the parliament’s protocols and perhaps your authority tomorrow. It is vital you protect the dignity of the parliament.’
‘I will do the right thing, and all will be as I determine,’ Bagshaw said, then lowering her voice she added in a menacing tone, ‘You must remember, Gordon, I am speaker, and you are the clerk, therefore you will take my direction at all times, not the other way around.’
‘Speaker, it is my role to protect the parliament, and the institution that provides a voice for the people of Australia.’ Gordon stood before her. ‘The parliament is not owned by the government, nor by you, and certainly not by the prime minister. I will do what I can to do my duty and ensure that there is no breach to the standing orders.’
‘Are you threatening me, Gordon?’
‘Not at all. I am advising you as I am obliged to do.’ Gordon straightened and stiffened. ‘So, I am formally advising you, I will do my duty.’
‘Goodbye, Gordon.’ Bagshaw sat back in her chair and waved him away.
Gordon stood before her desk, thinking through what to do. Without another word he turned and marched from the office, leaving the door open and gliding past staff without returning the usual pleasantries.
‘Get me the prime minister!’ The speaker’s voice followed him.
Gordon strode to his office, keen to think further about his list. The speaker seemed ignorant of any government plan other than the need to protect her friend, the PM. He knew he was missing an important piece of the puzzle and needed to talk with his colleague Nigel Nelson.
Deceit Page 19
