The Governor-General has sought advice regarding any conflict of interest – real or perceived – that might arise if she has to make a decision regarding the ALP and the prospect of a hung Parliament. Bearing in mind that Bill Shorten – the man that sharpened the knife that stabbed Rudd in the back and the bookies favourite to replace Gillard - is the GG’s son-in-law.
The ABC has put out a deceptive media report via AM Radio National. It is headlined: No conflict of interest for GG with MP son-in-law: Law experts. The report also goes on to state that: “The University of New South Wales Law Professor, George Williams, does not see a conflict either but says it’s wise to seek advice.” This statement is completely untrue. None of the constitutional experts interviewed said there was no potential conflict of interest. Williams said that he did not think a conflict of interest would arise because he thought it would be unlikely that the GG would be placed in position as to influence who governs. If one actually reads on, Williams states that if the GG is placed in such a decision making position:
An administrator could be appointed and that would mean someone like Marie Bashir, the senior Governor from New South Wales, could act and make the decision on her behalf.
Williams was interviewed by Alan Jones on Monday in which he made it abundantly clear that there could be a potential conflict of interest. Some tricky ABC sub-editing and voice over has made it appear that there is no problem with the GG’s position, when in fact there could be a problem.
Bryce is a highly political figure. As GG she has actively campaigned for ALP policies that are opposed by the Coalition: Rudd’s UN seat and the ALP’s version of paid parental leave come to mind. Having seen off Rudd, if Abbott is able to form government, that will kill off Gillard and likely see Bill Shorten lead the ALP. The GG would then be shamed into resigning because of a High Court injunction threatened by Peter Faris QC on the basis of the GG’s perceived conflict of interest. That would be the hat-trick we have all been looking for.