"It's not the law Thompson should fear"

Professor George Williams writes on he political furore enveloping Craig Thomson and speculation around his disqualification from Parliament (Sydney Morning Herald, August 30 2011). See summary below:

The political furore enveloping Craig Thomson has led to speculation that his disqualification from Parliament will bring down the Gillard government. However, it is unlikely that he will be disqualified. The damaging public debate will no doubt work to the political advantage of the opposition, but the law is unlikely to produce the outcome they desire.

The attempt to have Thomson removed from Parliament rests on section 44 of the constitution. It sets out five grounds for disqualification from Parliament of those who are not fit for office or have a conflict of interest.

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