Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Hansard source

I support the government's decision to refer this matter to the High Court, as the Court of Disputed Returns. I also support what Senator Di Natale has said about the timing of Senator Nash going public with this. It was a classic case of the government doing a dump-and-run number at five minutes to midnight. I also support the Greens and the other members of the crossbench on the audit, and I urge the Liberals and the Nationals and the Labor Party to finally acquiesce to having an independent audit of all senators. I also think that Senator Nash should have followed Senator Canavan's example, which was the right example. Senator Brandis, you stood alongside Senator Canavan when he made the announcement that he was stepping down as a minister. I think that Senator Nash should step down as a minister, and so should the Deputy Prime Minister. Mr Joyce should not be leading this country when Prime Minister Turnbull is out of the country.