Julia Banks quits to sit on crossbench in major blow to Morrison government

Liberal MP Julia Banks has quit to sit on the expanding crossbench, putting the Coalition deeper into minority government, but has guaranteed her vote on supply and confidence .

Julia Banks quits to sit on crossbench in major blow to Morrison government Source: AAP

The Morrison government has been dealt a major blow, with moderate MP Julia Banks revealing she will quit the Coalition and join the crossbench.

The Morrison government was already in minority after independent Kerryn Phelps was elected in Malcolm Turnbull’s former seat of Wentworth, and will now need to manage even more delicate negotiations with the crossbench to pursue its agenda.

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Ms Banks excoriated the “reactionary right wing” within the Coalition for its role in toppling Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister, and praised the “sensible centrist Liberal values” of colleagues like Julie Bishop.

Newly Independent MP Julia Banks (centre) takes seat on the cross bench during House of Representatives Question Time.

AAP

Ms Banks announced her decision in the House of Reps chamber on Tuesday, just as prime minister Scott Morrison was on live television on the other side of Parliament House, announcing the date of the 2019 Budget.

The resignation follows a string of Liberal women criticising the party for a culture that permitted bullying and stand-over tactics, particularly during the recent leadership spill.  

Ms Banks criticised the two major parties for playing “political games” and point-scoring instead of working in the interests of Australians.

Julia Banks has praised the “sensible centrist Liberal values” of colleagues like Julie Bishop in her speech.

AAP