What we're talking about

Mat on 'They'd never be in a Bruce Willis ... Shows what sort of society we've become when people want someone dead just so they're no longer inconvenienced. more
Cheryl on 'They'd never be in a Bruce Willis ... Doesn't he know we lose interest in news stories quickly these days, shoot him and get to another story, lol more
M. on 'They'd never be in a Bruce Willis ... A lethal weapon reference Derryn? Getting too old for this s--t. more
Al Capone on 'They'd never be in a Bruce Willis ... First of all the person who provided comment on this issue under the name of Al Capone presented through the Sly Fact File ... more
Mylene on 'They'd never be in a Bruce Willis ... What would Mick Miller have done? :p more
Put This Baddy in the Binse on 'They'd never be in a Bruce Willis ... This is beyond a joke, people want to get home to their places, this nasty man is delaying people's lives.The police should ... more
garry on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' i dont care to much for craig thomson but as long as he is there, workchoices is not and thats a great thing. more
Mylene on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' Hinch is just mad that Craig Thomson quoted To Kill a Mockingbird instead of Death in Newport or The Ultimate Guide to ... more
The Anti Corruption Barbeque on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' Every Australian citizen is currently very concerned with the direction our nation has taken over the last decade and the ... more
Janesse Hurd on Heartbreaking plea to stay with Mum Please lend your Voice and Support to the Four Queensland Sisters......"Kids Without Voices".... for the Benefit and Safety ... more
Steve on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' Jason think you'll find he has already been judged by an independant body put in place by his boss. Or are Work Fair ... more
Geoff Mathers on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' Wonder who paid for Thompson's legal script writers?Would have cost plenty. If he's no longer a member of the Labour Party, ... more
jason on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' Stop trying a man before he's even gone through the legal process. You're acting like a loose lynch-mob, and degrading ... more
Al Capone on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' I sincerely hope both of the major parties realise what is at stake here. Both parties are currently teetering on the ... more
Steve on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' If he knew he was being set up why sign off the expenses? I only had taxi driver put through a trip I did not take and I ... more
Skeptic on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' Thomson looked more rehearsed than a Kabuki actor... more
Senga on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' YOU got Addicted to Corruption, Craig Thomson.Because the system in the goverment is so easy to rort there aren't very many ... more
Kate on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' Any non profit organisation like a union would still be accountable to it's members. Credit Card Statements are issued ... more
Jonathon L Benson on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' I trust the Victoria Police and poor ole NSW ones too and the Taxation Department will pursue this joker and put him before ... more
mark on 'Craig, you’re no Atticus Finch' craig is a federal politition ,we have to believe him more

Derryn's tweet come true

Posted by: Derryn Hinch | 24 August, 2010 - 3:40 PM

Early on Sunday morning, as Australia awoke to a hung Parliament, I tweeted a scenario about the Governor-General and her possible conflict of interest if called upon to solve a constitutional crisis over who would get to form a new government.

I tweeted that 'the decision on who forms a government may come down to Bill Shorten’s mother-in-law, Quentin Bryce'.

Play Audio - Dr Leslie Cannold, ethicist

Shorten, of course, was one of the main conspirators in the gang that sacked Kevin Rudd and installed Julia Gillard as prime minister.

I was accused of being 'terminally paranoid' and 'drawing a long bow'.

It was and is a legitimate debating point. And The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, the Herald Sun and The Australian all put the story on Page One today.

Last night the Governor-General’s office put out a brief statement saying: 'The Governor-General is seeking advice on concerns raised about her personal position in the current political circumstances.'

Presumably she is seeking that advice from the Solicitor-General. Some reports have claimed that if Ms. Bryce decides she does have a conflict she would step aside in favour of the Chief Justice of the High Court. Not so. My understanding is that she would defer to the most senior state governor and that would be, Marie Bishar of New South Wales.

Don’t get me wrong here. I think Quentin Bryce is probably one of the most intelligent, professional, ethical Governors-General we have ever had.

But the office must not only be free of taint but free of any shadow or perception of taint. The damage that Peter Hollingworth did to the office is still far too fresh in the memory.

And there are bitter memories of what John Kerr did in the last constitutional crisis.

Because of the Bryce-Shorten family connection, and because the bookies are now quoting him as a favourite to replace Gillard, the speculation around the G-G will be endless.

As I tweeted today: 'You reckon Shorten didn't pillow talk with wife & she didn't tell mum? The GG probably knew about the coup before most of us?'

What should happen now

WATCH HERE: As the vote-counting draws to an end, Hinch advises the independents on how they should use their enormous power in the coming days. Read, watch and hear the latest.

Blog comments

Bill Shorten started the same as Hawke, Bill is a good bloke, until you know him, dont bother opening your big mouths.

janet page Wednesday 25 August, 2010 - 11:06 PM
No wonder Neil Mitchell is the only one out there defending Shorten because he is first a Melbourne centric biased boredom, second who you think leaks the 'stuff' to him. Remember he always says he has 'sources'.
Right.

SallyM Wednesday 25 August, 2010 - 11:53 AM
It just go to show it not what you know its who you know. Connections and networks are the power. Shorten ahs the connections.

alexas Tuesday 24 August, 2010 - 4:11 PM