'Once these people get in, you can't get them out': Pauline Hanson wants immigrants to wait eight years for citizenship

12/2/2018

(Translation appears in Arabic section)

Canberra: Pauline Hanson wants to make it more difficult for migrants to become Australian citizens in case they turn out to be criminals.

The One Nation party leader proposed that migrants live in Australia eight years before acquiring citizenship by conferral, significantly longer than the current one year requirement.

In a bill presented to Federal Parliament, Ms Hanson said there should be more rigorous safeguards in place to protect the country from 'bad characters'.

Harris new US ambassador to Australia

Canberra: President Donald Trump has named US Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris as his pick to serve as the American ambassador to Australia.

The naval officer has served in the military for 39 years and is in his seventh command assignment as head of the US Pacific Command, according to the White House.

"Australia warmly welcomes the appointment of ambassador designate Harry Harris," foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop told reporters in Auckland on Saturday.

"He has visited Australia many times. He's well known to us. He's a highly decorated naval commander and we look forward to his Senate confirmation proceeding."

Labor could face five by-elections over dual citizenship chaos

Canberra: BILL Shorten could face a difficult few months, with Labor looking at five by-elections as the dual citizenship chaos widens.

Voters in five states could face uncertainty and possible special elections over dual citizenship as the Government threatens to get tough with a slew of sitting Labor members.

Frontbencher Christopher Pyne warned the Government would unilaterally refer to the High Court the citizenship status of Labor’s Susan Lamb.

“We will refer, if necessary, if Labor refuses to do the right thing,” the Defence Industries Minister told ABC radio.

Mr Pyne said there “certainly won’t be” a general election in 2018. But a rush of by-elections remains a possibility.

NSW premier won't budge on bridge flags

Sydney: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she's happy with the "status quo" when it comes to flying the Aboriginal flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Opposition Leader Luke Foley last week said if Labor won government the indigenous flag would be raised on the bridge permanently but Ms Berejiklian insists the current arrangement is OK with her.

The flag currently is raised 15 days a year - on Australia Day and during reconciliation and NAIDOC weeks.

"I think the status quo serves us well," Ms Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Barnaby Joyce and ex-staff member Vikki Campion reportedly expecting a baby

Canberra: Barnaby Joyce’s wife has responded to the news that her husband is expecting a baby with his former staffer.

Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce is expecting a baby with one of his former staff members, Vikki Campion.

Ms Campion, 33, a former journalist and deputy chief of staff of The Daily Telegraph left Mr Joyce’s office in April last year.

She has moved in with Mr Joyce and is due to give birth in April, according to The Telegraph, “devastating” Mr Joyce’s wife and family.

The relationship, it’s been revealed today, has long been an open secret in Canberra, with even Labor MPs suggesting it was widely known.

Abbott's NSW Liberal reforms voted down

Sydney: A plan to introduce what was billed as significant populist reform to the Liberal Party has been shot down in Sydney, prompting some members to warn of a grassroots revolt.

NSW state delegates voted down the Warringah Motion - also known as the Rosehill Resolution - on Saturday at the NSW Liberal AGM, opting for a more moderate compromise.

The Warringah Motion, championed by Warringah MP Tony Abbott and backed by John Howard, would have given NSW Liberal Party members preselection votes in their respective seats.

However, state delegates voted for the Bennelong Motion, which Mr Abbott earlier in the day described as a "rearguard action by factional warlords" that would delay reform and "put off real democracy".