Australia’s conservative government will have to wait at least two months to discover if key members will survive a dual citizenship crisis that has put its one-seat parliamentary majority under threat.
Seven lawmakers from across the benches have so far run afoul of an obscure constitutional rule which bars dual citizens from parliament.
The Liberal-National coalition’s slim majority in the lower house is on the line after Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce discovered he had New Zealand citizenship.
A court ruling disqualifying him could potentially topple Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s government.
Five cases — Joyce, National Party senator Matt Canavan and three other senators from minor parties — were referred to the High Court, with the chief justice determining Thursday that they would be heard on October 10-12.
“There is an obvious public urgency in relation to this matter to clarify the situation,” Attorney-General George Brandis told reporters.
“We look forward to the speedy resolution of the matter.”
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