Victoria COVID cases are on the rise; Locked-out Melbourne retirement homes; Christian Porter Ends ABC Defamation Case
During Question Time today, the opposition decided not to pressure Industry Minister Christian Porter over any questions about his decision to drop his libel case against the CBA yesterday after reporting a historic rape allegation against him.
But earlier on Tuesday Labor leader Anthony Albanese reiterated his call for Mr Porter to face an independent inquiry into his suitability for minister when asked about the matter at a press conference .
Mr. Porter in the House of Representatives this afternoon. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
âWell, it’s very clear that Christian Porter’s performance yesterday, where he tried to turn what was a surrender into a victory of sorts, was quite extraordinary. There must be a proper, independent and independent inquiry into whether Christian Porter is a fit and appropriate person to serve as Cabinet Minister, âMr. Albanese said.
The CBA and Mr Porter agreed to settle the case, with Mr Porter extracting a concession from the ABC to add an editor’s note that the charges could not be supported by a criminal or civil legal standard. But the broadcaster argued that it had paid no damages to Mr Porter, only his mediation fees. The article at the center of the litigation remains online and Mr Porter has vehemently denied the allegation.
Finance Minister Simon Birmingham rejected Labor’s renewed demand for an investigation when asked about it on Sky News.
âI think there was no reason for another change in approach, other than to support the independence of our police force and the independence of our courts. In this regard, the CBA provided clarification following the settlement reached with Christian Porter, paying part of his legal costs. It’s a matter between him and the CBA, âsaid Senator Birmingham.