Thread by @margokingston1

Excellent backstory to the PM’s startling change of legislative policy on gay students by @LisaVisentin.

I’d add the PM’s pledge during the #WentworthVotes by election in Oct 2018 to URGENTLY ban private schools expelling students for being gay.

https://twitter.com/tommcilroy/status/1489034282404352006

2. And here’s the blow-back to the PM’s startling apparent change of heart, reversing his veto on banning private schools expelling gay students in his Religious Discrim Bill.

https://twitter.com/murpharoo/status/1489092088541376513?s=21

3. During the #WentworthVotes by election Morrison first backed the right private schools to sack gay students then said he didn’t like it then pledged to repeal the law allowing it urgently. By @Paul_Karp

#IndependentsDay

theguardian.com/australia-news…

4. Text of the PM’s pledge to #WentworthVotes during the 2018 by-election to urgently ban private schools expelling students for being gay.

The sitting member has not so far insisted that the PM keep the promise made to his constituents. @spenderallegra @VoicesWentworth

https://twitter.com/workmanalice/status/1462734940039094275

5. wtf is going on! @Paul_Karp reveals PM told moderates & Labor in writing in December that RD bill would include a ban on private schools expelling gay kids.

Yet assistant AG Amanda Stoker repeated the Govt’s ‘no way’ line in every interview since, including yesterday!

https://twitter.com/ebony_bennett/status/1489100446996176897

6. PM caved, YES to ban on private schools expelling gay kids with RD Bill. #WentworthVotes gone if its MP didn’t cross floor & others at high risk.

#IndependentsDay shares the win I reckon. A few moderates stood firm in the face of seat-loss risk.

Now to elect true reps.

https://twitter.com/tommcilroy/status/1489170999144849412

7. It ain’t over yet. Assistant A-G walks back done deal story PMO briefed journos on. Hard right must be threatening to vote against the RD bill if Govt also repeals freedom of private schools to expel gay students at the same time.

PM authority on the line and he loses AGAIN?

https://twitter.com/politics_smhage/status/1489404604924448768

8. @BridgetArcherMP on fire about the Religious Discrimination Act’s ramifications - a scorching denunciation. Talk about using her ‘courage muscle’!

Latest developments by the best on this beat in Canberra, @Paul_Karp.

https://twitter.com/lenoretaylor/status/1489371672616796166?s=21

9. WOW! @Paul_Karp reports that PM tried to do a deal with Labor - wave my Religious Discrimination Bill through without a vote if I put gay student explosion ban in it.

Don’t raise any other objections, OK?

Because he couldn’t guarantee the numbers on his side.

Exposed!

https://twitter.com/paul_karp/status/1489390579226406912

20. Looks who 7 moderates in play are & where they sit on the Religious Discrimination Bill meltdown we had to have. Bottom line survival of true liberal values in the ‘Liberal’ Party are at stake, and for 6 of 7, their seats.

#WentworthVotes @WentworthVoices @spenderallegra

https://twitter.com/paul_karp/status/1489390579226406912

21. So, @Paul_Karp, Labor will not move amendments in non-student expulsion? Morrison, in effect, got his deal with Labor? Only vote that counts will be the final vote on the bill, as presented, yes? Will Labor seek a division and let the Govt off the hook?

https://twitter.com/paul_karp/status/1489460917238906883

22. Labor can still force a division on amendments if it wants to move any…

everyone still settling into their seats for this one, still volatile

PM calling hard right’s bluff huge call - you want my RDB or nothing?

The @Paul_Karp update.

https://twitter.com/paul_karp/status/1489501818396688384

13. Even Oz reports a Liberal Party in meltdown over PM’s startling decision to ban private schools expelling gay students with his Religious Discrim bill.

Labor could call votes which could see Lib floor crossers both ways.

PMs leadership is on the line.

#IndependentsDay