George Christensen set to cross the floor over banking royal commission

SBS World News Radio: A public investigation into the banking industry could be a step closer, with government backbench MP George Christensen pledging to cross the floor and vote for a bill to trigger a Comimssion of Inquiry into the sector.

George Christensen set to cross the floor over banking royal commission

George Christensen Source: AAP

Queensland MP Bob Katter could be a step closer to gaining the support he needs to trigger a public inquiry into Australia's banking sector.

In a post on Twitter, George Christiansen, the Queensland LNP member wrote he would cross the floor to vote for Mr Katter's bill, expected to be reintroduced to parliament next month.

Mr Christensen's office told SBS he was not responding for comment.

Social Services Minister Christian Porter was keen to hose down the possible move, saying he didn't think his colleague would go through with it.

"Look I haven't seen exactly what George has had to say. George says a number of things at a number of times. So I'll go back and see what he's got to say, but I'm sure that that won't occur."

Mr Katter's bill would establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged malpractice in the banking industry.

A Commission of Inquiry has similar powers to a Royal Commission, but reports to the parliament rather than the government.

Labor supports a Royal Commission, but has not indicated whether it would support Mr Katter's bill.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says he, too, doubts Mr Christensen's intentions, saying he will believe it when he sees it.

"I hope that George Christensen votes for a Royal Commission. And again, it just shows you how divided the Coalition are. There's a number of backbenchers in the coalition who would love to vote for a Royal Commission, but Malcolm Turnbull's representing the banks in Canberra so that puts the kibosh* on it until we change the government."

If Labor did support Mr Katter's bill, it might have the numbers to pass the Lower House.

The Greens, Nick Xenophon Team's Rebekha Sharkie, and independents Andrew Wilkie and Cathy McGowan have all previously expressed support for a public inquiry.

Labor MP Rob Mitchell says Mr Christensen had the chance to vote for a Royal Commission last year, and missed it.

"I think the thing you'll see with George Christensen is he's all puff, and when it comes to the action, he won't do it. He had the opportunity at the end of last year, in the last days of Parliament to stand up to the big banks and vote for a Royal Commission. But when it comes to the crunch, George Christensen sat down, in his place with the Coalition and sided against families, and sided against a Royal Comm. George Christensen won't do anything. He's all talk and no action."

 






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Published 9 February 2017 6:00pm

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