Entsch won’t step into gap
LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has ruled out a tilt at becoming Minister for Northern Australia following Senator Matt Canavan’s shock resignation over his dual Italian citizenship.
Senator Canavan has stood down from cabinet but retained his position in parliament pending a High Court investigation into the circumstances of his dual citizenship.
He claimed his mother signed him up for Italian citizenship without his knowledge, making him parliament’s third scalp in a fortnight following the resignation of Greens senators Larissa Waters and Scott Ludlam.
Mr Entsch said he had no desire to take over the unmanned portfolio if the High Court deemed Senator Canavan unfit to return to the position, saying he could be more effective from the backbench. “I would ask not to take on an executive role,” he said.
Mr Entsch said he did not doubt Senator Canavan’s story, adding that Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos would help Deputy Premier Barnaby Joyce to pick up the Northern Australia slack in Senator Canavan’s absence.
“Barnaby will be the lead minister on this but there are a number of other ministers who share in the Northern Australia portfolio that are critical to its success, including (Josh) Frydenberg, (Arthur) Sinodinos and others,” he said.
Kennedy MP Bob Katter has questioned the truth behind Senator Canavan’s claims of ignorance about his dual citizenship.
“There is no jury or court that would be that gullible to believe that,” he said.
“They might be prejudiced to make that decision, but not gullible enough to believe that his mummy made him a citizen of Italy without him knowing.”
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning said the Far North community wanted the debacle dealt with as soon as possible.
“The Government needs to get this sorted out. We want to see government working to serve the people. What we don’t want is any hint of crisis, delays or frustrations,” he said.