The Queensland MP has warned he wants to defy government policy and join other rogue backbenchers who are considering a revolt in parliament to bring on a commission of inquiry.
“It’s a stance I have taken because I believe it’s the only way we can shine a light on some of the issues of repeated unconscionable conduct,” Mr Christensen said.
“There is a need to take strong action to address the appalling treatment of people who have done nothing wrong, other than trusting a bank to look after them.”
The move comes less than 24 hours after he publicly blamed the Prime Minister for the Liberal-National Party’s poor election result in his home state of Queensland at the weekend.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has dismissed any links between the banking inquiry and the disappointing election result.
“That was not even remotely the issue in the Queensland election,” Mr Turnbull told reporters in Wollongong.
Mr Christensen is calling for voters to sign his online petition and share any experiences of bad bank behaviour.
“Importantly, by signing this petition and telling your story you are sending a very strong message to my federal government colleagues and it’s the message I will be sharing with them in Canberra next week,” he said.
Last week, Nationals Senator Barry O’Sullivan confirmed a number of government MPs were willing to defy government policy and cross the floor in the lower house to support his private member’s bill for a commission of inquiry into the banking industry.
It would be wide-ranging and cover banking, insurance and superannuation.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Labor would work with Senator O’Sullivan to try to set-up an inquiry.
