Tense moment Josh Frydenberg confronts a rogue Liberal MP as she shocks parliament by crossing the floor to vote AGAINST the government on corruption watchdog
- Moderate Liberal MP Bridget Archer voted against Government in Parliament
- The MP for Bass in Tasmania wanted debate on a federal corruption watchdog
- She was seen chatting to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg about her decision
A rogue Liberal MP has voted against the Government as she demanded a federal corruption watchdog.
Bridget Archer, who represents the marginal Tasmanian seat of Bass, supported independent MP Helen Haines who wants a debate on her integrity commission bill.
Ms Archer was pictured being confronted by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg about her decision after the vote.
Bridget Archer was confronted by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg about her decision after voting against the government because Scott Morrison has taken too long to deliver on his promise of creating a corruption watchdog
Ms Archer, who represents the marginal Tasmanian seat of Bass, supported independent MP Helen Haines who wants a debate on her integrity commission bill
She said it was a ‘difficult’ decision to go against her own party and the Prime Minister
Ms Archer said it was a ‘difficult decision’ to vote against Scott Morrison but said he has taken too long to introduce a corruption watchdog which he promised in 2019.
‘I don’t take this decision lightly at all. I take this decision very seriously to stand here. And it’s a difficult decision. This is one of the most important things that we come to this place to do,’ she said.
‘There is a place for politics, there’s a place for the partisan point-scoring, but on something as important as trust and confidence in elected officials, that is not it.’
Ms Haines was also supported by the Opposition, Greens MP Adam Bandt and independent MPs Craig Kelly, Bob Katter, Zali Steggall and Rebekha Sharkie.
Liberal member for Bass Bridget Archer (centre) speaks to crossbench MPs Helen Haines (right), Zali Steggall and Rebekha Sharkie after crossing the floor
Ms Archer speaks to Crossbench MPs Zali Steggall and Rebekha Sharkie
Together they defeated the Government by 66 votes to 63 but debate did not continue because an absolute majority of 76 votes was not reached.
The Government has previously stopped debate on Ms Haines’ bill, with Communications Minister Paul Fletcher saying it has an alternate proposal in the works.
Labor says a federal corruption watchdog – similar to the NSW ICAC which brought down Gladys Berejiklian – is urgently needed to stop rorts.
Independent member for Indi Helen Haines and Liberal member for Bass Bridget Archer leave the chamber together
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