Credit:Matt Golding
Even without her physical presence,the government appeared sufficiently concerned about Senator Hanson’s threat to withhold two crucial Senate votes from Coalition legislation to allow debate on her bill.
It meant bumping another bill from Nationals senator Sam McMahon that would have allowed the Northern Territory to legalise assisted dying.
“I am extremely disappointed this has occurred to all Territorians,” Senator McMahon said in a statement.
Despite the snub,Senator McMahon was one of five government senators to break ranks and side with One Nation,joining former resources minister Matt Canavan,South Australian Liberal Alex Antic,Queensland maverick Gerard Rennick and Liberal backbencher Concetta Fierravanti-Wells as the bill was voted down overwhelmingly.
Five government Senators voted for One Nation’s bill.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
One Nation’s own votes were not counted in the final tally because of their physical absence from Parliament,but Senator Hanson insisted the way they would have voted be noted in the record.
“You need to rock up to vote,” Nationals frontbencher Bridget McKenzie called out from the Senate floor as the vote went down.