Senate showdown looms after Watt labels Pocock revolt against government secrecy a ‘dummy spit’

Labor could retaliate against Coalition for supporting Pocock’s motion after government loses control of SenateFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor could remove Coalition members from parliamentary committees as punishment after the government lost control of the Senate on Wednesday, when a complicated stoush over transparency saw David Pocock lead a push to dramatically extend question time and force ministers to answer more questions.A major showdown is looming after the Coalition, Greens and crossbench defied the government to force changes to long-held conventions and rules in the upper house, a rare move Labor minister Murray Watt labelled a “dummy spit”. Continue reading...