Scott Morrison's numbers in parliament have dropped even further on the heels of losing his majority yesterday ((Mon)).
This time it was Julia Banks who dropped a bombshell, revealing a move to the crossbench.
((BANKS))
(("The Liberal party has changed - largely due to the actions of the reactionary and regressive right wing who talk about and talk to themselves rather than listening to the people. To continue to put the people before the party and act in the nation's interests authentically and constructively - effective immediately - I will serve as a member of this House of Representatives as an independent representative."))
Ms Banks also told the House equal representation of men and women in parliament is vital to create cultural change.
It comes after Cabinet Minister Kelly O'Dwyer reportedly told colleagues the public perception of the Liberal Party is of homophobic, anti-women, climate change deniers.
But during Question Time, Ms O'Dwyer was more circumspect when pressed on her position by Deputy Labor leader,Tanya Plibersek.
((O'DWYER))
(("I thank the member for her question and and I would very much encourage her to read the women's economic security statement which will be able to tell her more about what we're doing for Australian women."))
Labor Treasury spokesman Chris Bowen says given the day's developments, the Morrison camp has little to be confident about.
((BOWEN))
(("Now the biggest contribution that Scott Morrison has made since becoming prime minister is having two less Liberal MPs - not having the members for Wentworth and now Chisholm in the government party room - people are more entitled to ask than ever before - why is Malcolm Turnbull no longer the prime minister of Australia? Why is this man (Morrison) here?"))
((SHORTEN))
Opposition leader Bill Shorten also questioned Scott Morrison's leadership.
(("Given his minority government is consumed by division, dysfunction and chaos, was it a mistake for the current prime minister to replace Malcolm Turnbull and again, today I ask, why isn't Malcolm Turnbull still the prime minister of Australia?"))
((MORRISON))
Mr Morrison says he stands by his position and his government.
(("Our government is getting on with the job. Since we were last here in this place - our government has been getting on with the job."))
[Full story is available on audio news.]
