In the latest update to the citizenship saga, the High Court has confirmed that Liberal party candidate, Major General Jim Molan (Ret), will replace former National Party Senator, the Hon Fiona Nash, for the remainder of the half senate term (no later than 1 July 2019). The former army officer was head of operations during the Iraq war in 2004, and has been a vocal critic of Government defence planning since retiring in 2008. He marked his appointment with an editorial in The Australian, warning of the risk of solely relying on the United States’ already stretched military capacity. Major General Molan also highlighted concerns with Australia’s lack of advanced weapons systems, and vulnerability with respect to the country’s strategic fuel reserve?—?suggesting Australia would last only 19 days if cut off from supply.
With John Alexander MP holding on to his seat of Bennelong last month, the Turnbull Government will retain the numbers in the House of Representatives to send anyone with lingering citizenship concerns to the High Court. Manager of Government Business in the House, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, confirmed that the government would be prepared to refer Member for Longman, Susan Lamb MP, after constitutional law expert Prof Anne Twomey raised doubts about her eligibility.
The High Court will sit in Brisbane as the Court of Disputed Returns to hear arguments concerning the cases of Senator Katy Gallagher and the Hon David Feeney MP this year. A Directions Hearing to determine the timetable (dates for evidence, hearing etc) will be held on Friday, 19 January.
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