Crossbench won't topple PM Morrison

Crossbench MPs in the lower house have told Scott Morrison they will not back any Labor no confidence motions against him.

Mr Katter said the president of his Katter’s Australia Party had made it clear Senator Anning's views on race did not align with the party's mission.

Mr Katter said the president of his Katter’s Australia Party had made it clear Senator Anning's views on race did not align with the party's mission. Source: AAP

Prime Minister Scott Morrison doesn't have a majority in the lower house but the crossbenchers are making sure he won't lose a no confidence motion.

Numbers are deadlocked in the lower house while the by-election for Malcolm Turnbull's old seat of Wentworth is held, putting Mr Morrison under pressure to keep crossbench MPs onside.

But so far they are backing him and won't support any bids from Labor to force him out.

Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie and independent Cathy McGowan have promised not to vote no confidence in the prime minister until the Wentworth by-election is done.

Queensland MP Bob Katter has met with Mr Morrison and promised not to vote for no confidence motions.

But the veteran Queensland MP wants to see an extension of the banking inquiry and title deeds for first Australians.

"I want to see whether he's going to be fair dinkum about these policies, and if not I will withdraw my support, as I did for Turnbull," Mr Katter told Sky News on Thursday.

Andrew Wilkie has made no promises on confidence.

Ms Sharkie, Ms McGowan and Mr Wilkie all support any potential bid to refer Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to the High Court over questions about his eligibility.

Mr Dutton has a declared family financial interest in two Brisbane childcare centres that get government funding, potentially putting him in breach of the constitution.

Mr Wilkie plans to vote no confidence in Mr Dutton, but Ms Sharkie is reserving her position.


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Source: AAP


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