‘O’Brien is convinced you are.’
‘That moron is working his last day in the chamber. He hates me, and no doubt wants to make it tough for me today, so he’ll say and do anything.’
‘So, what’s in it for me?’ Bagshaw suddenly changed the subject.
‘What do you mean?’ Gerrard had been waiting for the question for a few days now, and was surprised it had taken so long for her to get to it.
‘I want a promotion to your frontbench.’
‘Speaker not good enough for you?’ Gerrard responded.
‘I’ve had it being your puppet, I want a policy job.’
‘You’re being a little ambitious, aren’t you, Zara dear?’
‘If you want me to do this for you today, and it seems all hell may be about to break loose, then I want more than this miserable job as my payment.’
‘We’ll see.’
‘What the hell does that mean? “We’ll see?”’ Bagshaw stood before Gerrard’s desk, leaning over him. ‘You either have a job for me or you don’t. If you don’t, then I will consider my position.’
‘Your position!’ Gerrard’s eyes narrowed and his voice dropped. ‘You have no position without me, and indeed, your position is lying under me, whenever I demand it.’ Bagshaw stepped back from the desk. ‘Your position is to do and say exactly what I want, whenever I want it. Your position, dear Zara, is to do as you are told. If you do not, not only will your new husband be advised about his adulterous wife, but you will also lose your preselection, and you will never ever have a career again dealing with anything remotely political. This will mean your family in Cairns will lose access to funding from their land council. Your relatives will lose their jobs, all of them, and you will be disgraced. So, you have choices, my dear, and I suggest you choose wisely.’
Bagshaw, surprised by the outburst, stepped further back, nervous and afraid. Gerrard had a reputation for political brutality, but she had never been on the receiving end of it, until now. She made her way to the door and stood there, shaken by the attack. ‘I only want my due.’
‘And you shall have it, dear Zara, but when it is offered, and never ever when it is asked for.’
Bagshaw turned to leave.
‘Stay focused today, give me what I want, and we will talk about your generous reward tomorrow.’
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THURSDAY 9.35 AM
‘O’Brien, this is the prime minister.’
‘Good morning, Prime Minister. How can I help?’ Gordon stood at his chair, almost at attention.
‘I’ve just had the speaker in my office, a little distressed, reporting on a meeting she had with you earlier.’
Gordon grunted.
‘I must say, I suspect she is overreacting, but is there any reason for me to be concerned about your abuse?’
‘I was not abusive.’
‘A woman does not claim abuse unless there is abuse, and you called her a liar, did you not?’
‘What do you want, Prime Minister?’
‘It’s been a long journey for you, O’Brien, and today is your last day in the chamber before you retire tomorrow, so don’t spoil it by doing something stupid.’
‘I am not in a position to comment.’
‘Let me make it clear to you, so you understand perfectly.’
Gerrard slowed and deepened his voice. ‘If you do anything that inhibits the smooth operation of the parliament today, you will live to regret it.’
‘Are you threatening me?’ Gordon struggled to swallow.
‘Let me repeat, if you want a long and safe retirement then stay out of the chamber today.’
Gordon could almost feel Gerrard’s breath. ‘If you do take your place, then ensure you do nothing to disrupt the duties of the speaker.’
‘Anything else?’
‘No. Have a nice day.’ Gerrard cut the call.
Marjorie entered with a cup of tea and a piece of fruit cake, followed by his office staff. ‘Are you okay, Gordon? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.’
‘I’m fine.’ Gordon gave her a sickly smile.
‘Is there anything we can do to help?’ Marjorie asked.
‘I think Richard should open, and I shall come to question time. I would prefer to stay out of the chamber today, if I can.’
‘Are you sure about that?’ Marjorie asked.
‘Yes, I am sure. Thank you, Marjorie.’ Gordon was suddenly focused. ‘Richard, I want you to ensure the standing orders and parliamentary protocols are followed in the chamber. I am expecting a torrid time today.’
‘Will do, Gordon.’
‘Paige, I expect there will be media hanging about the office today, so be sure to curtail their enthusiasm. I would prefer to do no media until tomorrow.’
‘Rightio, I’ll make sure they don’t bother you.’
‘George, I want extra security on today, especially inside, and around the chamber.’
‘Expecting fireworks, sir?’
‘No, but I feel we should be prepared for anything.’ Gordon had no idea how the day would pan out and what passions might be stirred. ‘This amended legislation has so far caused one change of leader, and if it doesn’t get through the parliament today, the mob could get excited.’
‘I’ll talk to the federal police and ask them for an increased presence for the day.’ George made a note on his pad.
‘Marjorie, could you arrange a meeting for me with the chief justice?’
‘When were you thinking?’
‘It’s urgent, so as soon as he can come to the parliament. Tell him I need his advice on definitions of parliamentary practice, and I need it before ten thirty.’
‘Are you sure about all this, Gordon?’
‘Relax, all’s well.’ Gordon tried to reassure her. ‘Just get him here as quickly as you can. That’s all folks.’
The team dispersed and Gordon sat quietly looking out his window into his maple tree. He sighed and searched for any wildlife among the leaves, but there wasn’t any. He was anxious about what might happen during the day – and the very real possibility that his beloved parliament would be trashed when the opposition voted against the amended legislation.
Gordon opened the second drawer of his desk, prodded aside the tissue box and took out the phone.
KEEP YOUR PHONE CLOSE.
He pushed the send button, and was surprised to receive an immediate reply.
Who is this?
Gordon thought about responding and disclosing who he was, but sent instead:
A FRIEND WHO WANTS YOU TO DO THE RIGHT THING.
What’s that?
YOU’LL KNOW IF YOU KEEP YOUR PHONE CLOSE.
Chief Justice Benjamin Hopetoun arrived at the clerk’s office at 10.00 am, bemused by the urgency of the request, and concerned about the covert nature of his entry into the house via the underground carpark staff entrance, below the public entrance.
‘Hello Gordon, care to tell me what’s going on?’
‘Hi Ben, thanks for coming at such short notice. I have a dilemma and I need your advice. Please take a seat. Would you like tea?’
‘Yes, please.’
Paige Alexander had waited at the door for the affirmative, and she quickly arranged the tea, which she served on the low marble table as Gordon joined the chief justice on the lounge.
‘Milk and sugar?’ Gordon asked, as he poured milk into his own cup.
‘Yes, and two, thanks.’
‘Ben, I want to know your view on what might, or might not, happen in the chamber today.’
‘You have my attention.’
‘We have a money bill before the house that was amended by the senate last night, contrary to normal parliamentary practice and convention.’
‘Is this the Indonesian deal that was finally signed off last week by the prime minister and the president?’
‘Yes.’
‘I did hear you were promoting a story about it.’
‘Well, it is a significant
amount of money and it allows funds to be transferred offshore without the normal checks and balances within parliament. I am concerned about the way it has been dealt with, and I suspect there may be questionable behaviour behind the haste in getting it through the parliament.’
‘Any evidence of that?’
‘No, not really, just a hunch based on a number of disparate events.’ Gordon fidgeted with his jacket. ‘It has been linked to legislation for the release of stimulus funds to taxpayers, prior to Christmas. Nothing controversial about that part of it, especially given the national tragedy of last week. It’s always political, this type of expenditure. These things happen all the time, especially when elections are so close.’
Hopetoun slowly stirred his tea. ‘Why are you concerned, Gordon? I thought the opposition have already included the funding for the Indonesians in their policy.’
‘As I said, I have no evidence to support my theory, so I prefer not to canvas my reasons right now. Suffice to say, I have grave doubts about the process.’ Gordon lowered his voice. ‘The opposition was forced into agreeing not to call a division on any issue. They signed a deal with the government, and indeed, the governor-general witnessed the document, thus making it almost rock solid.’
‘I would suggest there is nothing to stop the opposition from rejecting that agreement.’ Hopetoun picked up his cup and saucer and relaxed on the lounge. ‘It holds no legal status, after all, only a piece of paper, it certainly has no authenticity in the parliament. It’s only a political document to impress the media and the electorate.’
‘Yes, that’s true, and with their change of leadership overnight, I suspect they may try to vote the amended legislation down. They have the numbers to do so.’
‘So, what is the problem?’
‘I don’t know what to do if the speaker refuses to allow a vote.’
‘Would she do that?’ Hopetoun sipped his tea.
‘I have a suspicion she is under riding orders from the prime minister.’ Gordon patted a large envelope on the coffee table. ‘I have confirmation of poor judgement made recently in partnership with the prime minister.’
‘And because of this so-called evidence, you think she will ignore parliamentary practice and do what she is told by the prime minister?’
‘I would be very surprised if she didn’t. I have had a heated exchange with her this morning, and she seems determined not to heed my advice.’
‘What happens if there is a formal vote?’
‘The government will lose.’
‘Would that be a loss of confidence in the government?’
‘Yes.’ Gordon sipped his tea again.
‘So the government could fall if they lose the vote ...’ Hopetoun gently stroked his beard. ‘Do we then go to a general election, or would the opposition just assume the government benches?’
‘They could win the government benches anyway after the by-elections in February, but there is no guarantee. I would think if the government lost a vote today, the opposition would ask the governor-general to go to an immediate general election. There is still time to have one prior to Christmas, if the writs are issued today.’
‘So, why do you need me? It is the governor-general’s call.’
‘I need you to confirm, or at least provide a view, on the removal of the speaker.’
The chief justice sipped his tea, once, twice, before returning the cup to the table. ‘My understanding of parliamentary practice is that the speaker can be removed for any number of breaches of the conduct codes – has she breached any?’
‘You are right, but this is usually done in the house. I need to know if it can be done outside the chamber?’ Gordon had exposed the reason why he needed the chief justice’s advice, and now he seemed committed to a course of action that could be based on very flimsy evidence.
‘What are you thinking the charge would be?’
‘Back last century, in 1955, Speaker Cameron had a motion moved against him that stated he was biased toward the opposition, was making arbitrary and unjust decisions, and that he was breaching standing orders.’
‘His behaviour and decisions must have been very poor to have had a motion moved against him,’ Hopetoun said.
‘Apparently, he was really disagreeable, but he survived the parliamentary manoeuvre.’
‘If the opposition were to move that type of motion, they could remove the speaker legitimately, is that not an option?’ Hopetoun asked.
‘The problem I have with this type of motion is that the government will shut the parliament down before a vote is taken.’
‘How?’
‘The speaker can adjourn the house, by leaving the chair, and not return. This means parliament is closed until she determines when to take the chair again, virtually stopping any attempt by the opposition to force a vote.’
‘So, if you say the parliament is under significant threat by the actions of the speaker, then she needs to be removed outside the chamber. If that is the case, then I consider there are only two options – either she resigns or she dies.’
‘Heaven forbid she suddenly has a heart attack or gets run over by a bus.’ Gordon’s attempt at levity failed.
‘What happens if she does resign, and the parliament is without a speaker?’
‘A new speaker needs to be elected by the house. That process is lengthy and it would give me enough time to have the appropriation legislation deferred until next year after the by-elections for proper scrutiny by the parliament. This is what should happen, rather than this rush through the parliament.’ Gordon sighed. ‘That is my preferred outcome.’
‘The electorate would not be happy about it, Gordon. What about their Christmas cheer?’
‘This is not about doling out money for Christmas gifts, Ben, it is about protecting our institutions. The parliament is under threat when the senate starts amending money bills, especially one that is so irregular. What would you do if your court were under threat?’
‘I would protect it with all my power.’
‘That is exactly what I am trying to do.’
‘You’ll need a good reason to force her to resign.’
‘I think I have one.’
At noon, the speaker’s procession opened the parliament while Gordon settled into his lounge with a salad sandwich and a glass of water, picking up the remote and flicking on the television to watch the proceedings in the house. As he took a cautious bite of his sandwich, careful not to drop any beetroot juice or carrot on his tie or white shirt, he imagined how the speaker would handle the new opposition leadership group, confident his assistant Richard Barker would provide the advice he had instructed him to give when asked. This was now the moment he had been looking forward to, although he would have preferred it had there been no change to the leadership of the opposition. He would be delighted to see the prime minister fail to achieve whatever it was he had planned, now he was certain the opposition would vote the Appropriation Bill down.
As the speaker took the chair, the gold mace was placed on the table and Bagshaw bowed to both sides, who in turn bowed back. She began the lord’s prayer, then called for the clerk to begin the order of proceedings.
The parliamentary day had begun no differently from any other day in parliament – politicians with a strong religious faith were lifting their heads after the prayer, and the majority of the opposition were in attendance; a good sign they were committed to action.
Richard Barker stood. ‘Third reading, Appropriation Bill number seven, as amended, for the purposes of funding of immigration centres and disbursement of funds to the Australian population.’
‘The question is that the bill be read a third time with incorporated amendments,’ declared Bagshaw.
Stanley rose from his chair and stood at the despatch box waiting for acknowledgement. ‘I call the member for Curtin.’
‘On indulgence, Madam Speaker, and for the benefit of the house, I wish to advise changes to the leadership and management of
opposition business.’
‘Proceed.’
‘Thank you, Speaker. I wish to announce my elevation to the position of leader of the opposition, and with good grace, I hope this appointment will be accepted by the house.’ Stanley momentarily bowed his head to the speaker.
‘Hear, hear.’ The opposition members expressed support for their decision.
‘I would also announce the appointment of the member for Gellibrand as the new deputy leader, replacing the member for Brand, who replaces the member for Gellibrand in the position of manager of opposition business. I thank the house.’
‘Also on indulgence, Madam Speaker,’ Meredith Bruce had taken a position at the government’s despatch box. ‘The government congratulates the Member for Curtin on his appointment to leader, and wishes him well in his new position. We also acknowledge the leadership potential of the member for Gellibrand,’ Bruce smiled and nodded toward Messenger. ‘And of course, we welcome the circumspect and often erratic member for Brand to his new role as manager of opposition business, and I look forward to our further discussions on process and procedure for this parliament.’ Bruce resumed her seat. ‘Game on.’ She mouthed to Messenger, who smiled with menace and tapped his forefinger to his lips.
Stanley sprang to his feet and stood at the despatch box seeking the speaker’s call. ‘The leader of the opposition.’
‘Thank you, Speaker.’ Stanley referred to notes. ‘I move that so much of sessional and standing orders be suspended to allow the following motion, that the House of Representatives expresses its great concern about the procedural matters contravened by the senate in amending Appropriation Bill number seven, that the senate conflicted with—’
‘Order. The leader of the opposition is out of order, and I ask him to withdraw.’
‘Madam Speaker, I have the call and I am calling forward a motion.’
‘You had the call, and I have asked you to withdraw.’
‘Speaker, I am moving a motion.’
‘Leader of the opposition, I have asked you to withdraw, now withdraw.’
‘I will not withdraw, Speaker, I am moving a motion.’
‘I have asked you to withdraw, now I am telling you to withdraw or suffer the consequences.’
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