Thread by @Clarke_Melissa

Manoeuvering in the parliament this morning is all about timing…..

Here’s an explanation of what’s going on. Stay with me:
#THREAD

#Encryption bill: Govt & Opp agreed to a plan to pass bill unamended through Reps, amend in Senate once Labor double-checked them, then back to Reps to sign off on changes.

Nauru: Senate expected to agree to amendments to a migration-related bill that would mirror the Phelps #kidsoffnauru bill details, which would then need to go to Reps for a vote, too.

So, if Govt proceeds with plan for passage of the #encryption bill, they will HAVE to have Senate messages back to Reps before parliament rises at the end of the day – and therefore migration bill (w #kidsoffnauru amendments) would likely come to a vote in Reps, too.

Govt is worried it will lose the vote on the floor of the Reps re #kidsoffnauru amended bill – which would be a big blow to the legitimacy of the government’s control of the parliament (and migration policies).

Govt is now trying to get Labor to vote on #encryption bill WITH amendments in the Reps. If they did, it could be approved in the Senate without having to go back to Reps. Which means Senate messages back to Reps could be delayed & migration/#kidsoffnauru bill doesn’t reach Reps.

Labor furious Govt trying to force it to vote through #encryption bill with amendments it hasn’t yet had time to scrutinise. There are >100 & they were only revealed at 6:30am this morning.
At same time, PM Morrison gives presser slamming Opp for not passing them quicker.

From Govt view – they see Labor (& x-bench) attaching #kidsoffnauru amendments to a different migration bill as playing politics & putting a political win over the Govt ahead of policies – hence PM Morrison’s spray accusing Labor of being a threat to #natsec just now.

UPD: #encryption bill (Assistance & Access) has just been passed the Reps WITH govt amendments, even though opp is not satisfied w them. Opp flagged intention to force further amendments in Senate - which would mean it has to come back to Reps (which Govt is trying to avoid).

Tony Burke: "There is a plan, potentially, to shut down the House today. I want to advise the Parliament that that wouldn't be wise. We will be seeking in the Senate to pursue further amendments to ensure this bill properly reflects the findings of the intelligence committee."