CANBERRA -- The validity of the election of Senator Bob Day is now a matter for the High Court, sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns.
A short time ago, the Senate supported a motion by the Special Minister of State Scott Ryan to ask the high court to rule on whether his election breached section 44 of the Australian Constitution.
Here's the govt motion asking the Senate to refer Bob Day to High Court #auspolpic.twitter.com/oJhgynN7EP
— Belinda Merhab (@belinda_merhab) November 7, 2016
The position of the now resigned Family First Senator is being challenged over whether he had an indirect pecuniary interest over the leasing arrangements for his electorate office.
Labor's Senate leader Penny Wong has accused the Coalition of "turning a blind eye" to the matters due to the former family First senators' support.
The Senate is now considering a motion to refer the election of Senator Culleton to the High Court https://t.co/MlfwMAkvI4#auspolpic.twitter.com/marDtlBQbG
— Political Alert (@political_alert) November 7, 2016
The Senate is now hearing a separate motion relating to sending the election of One Nation Senator Rod Culleton to the High Court.
"I do not claim, ever, to be a perfect man." @SenatorCulleton says Jesus was the only perfect man to have ever "walked this Earth".
— HuffPost Australia (@HuffPostAU) November 7, 2016
Culleton had a larceny conviction at the time of his election. It has since been annulled.
More to come.