FRYDENBERG CITIZENSHIP DOUBTS ‘ABSURD’

MPs who are found to be dual citizens, but fail to out themselves in the near future, could be forced to repay their wages, according to a report in The Australian Financial Review. Citing unnamed sources, the report says the government is now considering refusing to grant a waiver to MPs found to have been ineligible to run for office at the time of their election. Those booted so far have been excused from repaying the wages, which, in some cases, run well over $1 million.

The latest name in the section 44 mix is Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg, whose mother was born in Hungary but fled the Holocaust before arriving in Australia as a refugee. On ABC radio this morning, Frydenberg said he was born in Australia to two Australian citizens and that it would be “absolutely absurd” if he had inherited Hungarian citizenship from his mother, who he said arrived in Australia stateless.

Australian National University lecturer and Hungarian expert Gabor Hajdu told The Australian the country’s laws in the area are complex but that there was “probably a 50 per cent likelihood” Frydenberg was a Hungarian citizen.

The ABC yesterday revealed outgoing Senate President Stephen Parry told cabinet member Mitch Fifield of his predicament weeks before he went public. Neither felt the need to inform the public — nor the High Court.

NEW FIND AT OLD WONDER

For the first time since the 1800s, archaeologists have discovered a major new structure held within the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Using “muon particles” to reveal the hidden depths of the Pyramid, researches discovered a new 30-metre void inside the pyramid, though the techniques employed to uncover it are not capable of providing a detailed image, meaning the exact layout and positioning of the space can only be guessed, at this point.

The “cavity”, as it has been described, sits above the pyramid’s grand gallery. It is thought the space could be a chamber, a corridor, or even a structural gap left empty to take pressure off the gallery below.

NAB BANKS ON ROBOTS

The National Australia Bank (NAB) will cut 12% of its workforce and increase spending on IT and automation to boost productivity. Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said the net loss of 4000 jobs would disproportionately impact Victoria, and urged the bank “to manage this sensibly”.

As part of a new plan outlined by CEO Andrew Thorburn, the bank will bring in staff with expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and data science. In explaining the changes, he pointed to mounting competition from fintech and global technology companies.

The largest bank in Australia, NAB made a profit of more than $6.6 billion over the year to September.

READ ALL ABOUT IT 

Manus Island refugees refuse to go despite despair

Russian hacking went far beyond US election, digital hitlist reveals

WHAT’S ON TODAY

Port Moresby: Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court is expected to rule on an injunction application that would force authorities to re-open the Manus detention centre. 

Canberra: Last day for candidates to nominate for New England byelection.

Melbourne: Lawyers representing asylum seekers held on Manus Island will ask a court for permission to begin distributing the $70 million in compensation awarded in September.

THE COMMENTARIAT

Turnbull government reels from new twist in the Parry affair — Michelle Grattan (The Conversation): “It hardly seemed possible this week could be as bad as last, which saw the Michaelia Cash-AWU debacle and the High Court blow that felled two ministers, triggering a byelection in Joyce’s New England seat. But it has been.”

PM’s hold on job no longer guaranteed — Simon Benson (The Australian $): “It has not gone unnoticed among colleagues that several of Turnbull’s original sponsors inside the party room — notably James McGrath and Scott Ryan — have begun to crab-walk away from Turnbull. And the alleged factional antics of self-anointed leader of the moderates, Christopher Pyne, only feed into a perception that the moderates cannot be trusted.”

Bishop poised for leadership gambit — Sharri Markson (The Daily Telegraph $): “The Prime Minister is losing authority in the Liberal Party, his respect with backbenchers has eroded and he has become alienated from both his deputy and the Senate leader, George Brandis.”

CRIKEY QUICKIE: THE BEST OF YESTERDAY

‘Black is white, up is down … it is nutso’: how it feels to be a Holy War casualty — Emily Watkins: “Margaret Simons told Crikey the worst thing about being the public eye, especially during attacks like The Australian‘s is the effect on families. But, as unfair and unbalanced as the campaign against her was, it hadn’t actually influenced anyone who mattered.”

The ABC is bloated with intellectually unambitious, moralising Gen X-ers — Helen Razer: “This is how intellectually and politically unambitious my Western generation has become. We argue about representation — is it too politically correct, or not politically correct enough — and leave the matter of reality to itself. Our boldest aims are either to defend Milo Yiannopoulos’ “right” to speak, or to see more sassy ladies on TV.”

When a reformed pokies addict confronted James Packer … — Stephen Mayne: “When challenged at the AGM, Barry Felstead, who is operationally responsible for Crown’s casinos in Perth and Melbourne, got up and told shareholders he was prepared to meet with Mark Robley and discuss his concerns. Once again, we’re yet to hear if anything has come of it.”

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