The maverick MP has made no bones about his plan to use Palmer’s considerable war chest to spread misinformation about COVID – and it’s in democracy’s interest that he be stopped.
Investigations have led to the withdrawal of a study backing ivermectin to treat COVID-19. But that’s not the last time we’ll hear about this controversial drug.
Kelly said of his decision, ‘If I’m to speak out and to use my voice the best I can, this is the best decision for myself and for the people that I represent.’
One analyst describes Labor’s lead in WA as “scarcely possible”, while new focus on sexual assault at Parliament House has not had an impact on the latest federal Newspoll.
Scott Morrison has been forced to publicly slap down Craig Kelly, after the Liberal backbencher got into a spectacular spat with Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek in Parliament House’s press gallery.
Craig Kelly has had his neck saved by two prime ministers: Malcolm Turnbull before the 2016 election and Scott Morrison prior to the last one. It’s unlikely anyone will step in for him a third time.
Censoring misinformation on social media may only have limited benefits. Responding with facts, however, might be an opportunity to positively influence audiences that are otherwise hard to reach.
The right is strong within the
party. And with the Morrison government now dealing with a hung parliament, there has been a risk that a disendorsed Kelly could defect to the
crossbench.
Malcolm Turnbull has struck back angrily at a report that he has been helping independent Kerryn Phelps, his successor in Wentworth, as chaos continues to fracture the Liberals.