Shorten accused of tricky tactics

THE citizenship crisis surrounding Barnaby Joyce threatens to become an international incident with New Zealand after revelations the Opposition conspired with NZ Labour to question dual citizens in Parliament.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee slammed as “quite extraordinary” the intervention of NZ Labour, as party leader Jacinda Ardern distanced herself from the debacle described by the Turnbull Government as “utterly unacceptable”.

Ms Ardern confirmed an ALP staffer had raised the issue of Australian dual citizenship with NZ Labour MP Chris Hipkins, which led him to put questions to the New Zealand Government.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull accused Bill Shorten of “conspiring with the Labour Party of New Zealand to undermine the Government”, while Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she could have trouble trusting NZ Labour.

“Bill Shorten has serious questions to answer, this is highly unethical, at least,” Ms Bishop said.

“I would find it very difficult to build trust with members of a political party that had been used by the ALP to seek to undermine the Australian Government.”

It’s understood the staffer involved was the chief of staff of Labor’s foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong.

However, the New Zealand Government said it had begun to look into the issue of Mr Joyce’s citizenship after inquiries by the Australian media.

The Turnbull Government threatened to refer a number of Labor MPs – Maria Vamvakinou, Tony Zappia, Justine Keay and Susan Lamb – who it says have not proven they have renounced their dual citizenship, to the High Court.

Maverick independent Bob Katter threatened to pull his support, which would hinge on the Government backing a banking royal commission or a probe into the need for biofuels like ethanol.

“You’re one by-election away from needing mine or Rebekha Sharkie’s vote,” Mr Katter told Sky News.