RTR3XK1J
IN PHOTO: Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (4th L) and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (5th L) participate in a rare meeting with members of Abbott's cabinet and a foreign head of state on national security, at Parliament House in Canberra, July 8, 2014. Abe is on a trip to New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea. REUTERS/Jason Reed

The recent attempt of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to not share the legal advice on citizenship laws with the Federal Cabinet has exposed the internal conflicts dividing the major parties. The decision of bestowing the act of stripping citizenship on the Immigration Minister was met with revulsion coming from both party members that resulted in removal of bipartisan support on issue of counter terror legislation.

Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton asked Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus to come out of the make-believe world after hearing his comment to bring back the terrorists to the country for a court conviction. ABC reports that he issued a statement saying, "I don't want these people coming back to our country, even more radicalised, having been taught how to make bombs, kill people, cut people's heads off."

Attorney General George Brandis while criticising Mr. Dreyfus expressed similar views with Mr. Dutton. He reported to the Senate that the government would not allow terrorists to take back shelter in the country without any second thought.

Mr. Abbott ridiculed shadow Attorney General while pointing out the inconsistency involved in Labor’s view. However, Opposition Immigration Minister Richard Marles denied having any such conflicting opinions. "Labor has made clear our support for the principle of updating legislation, which provides that people who take arms against Australia lose their citizenship," he said.

Although according to Mr. Marles, Labor might not extend its support for this decision without a court hearing. He further accused the government of having incompatible views amongst themselves which he thinks is a major restrain in the path of reaching a proper consensus.

The comment prompted Mr. Abbott to confront the Federal Cabinet and ask them to take a call on dual national terrorists. Cabinet Minister Malcolm Turnball spoke about the discussions he had with his senior colleagues regarding the enactment of the laws. He is expecting ‘constructive’ results in this regard. The Introduction of the bill in the parliament is due next.

Contact the writer on priya.shayani@gmail.com

RELATED STORIES