Referendum idea ditched

THE Turnbull Government has poured cold water on the idea of a referendum to overturn the ban on dual citizens sitting in Parliament.

Within minutes of a crossparty committee recommending the constitutional change, Special Minister of State Mathias Cormann said the Government was “not inclined” to back a referendum.

However, changes will be implemented ahead of five byelections due in coming weeks to ensure all candidates take steps to ensure they are qualified to sit in Parliament, including reporting their citizen status to the Australian Electoral Commission.