Slipper could lose Speaker vote: Windsor

Key independent MP Tony Windsor has added his voice to calls for Peter Slipper to stand aside as Speaker until all allegations against him are “tidied up”.

Mr Slipper has stood aside from the position pending inquiries into allegations he misused taxpayer-funded Cabcharge vouchers.

However, he also faces civil claims that he sexually harassed a male adviser that are due to go before the Federal Court in Sydney next month. He denies all the allegations.

Mr Windsor joins fellow independents Andrew Wilkie and Rob Oakeshott – and the coalition – in suggesting both matters may have to be dealt with before Mr Slipper resumes the chair.

“My advice to him would be to vacate the chair whilst all these inquiries are going on and not force it to a vote within the parliament,” he told ABC Radio on Thursday.

“It would be a shame if a Speaker of the Australian parliament was actually voted out of that position.

“I’m not suggesting that’s what would happen but it could happen.”

Mr Windsor said Mr Slipper could “circumvent” that possibility by standing aside.

The New England MP said it was in everyone’s interest not to have a “political vote” given the tight numbers in the parliament.

“The important thing in my mind is the importance of the role of the Speaker in our parliamentary process,” he said.

Mr Windsor said he intended to speak with Mr Slipper about the issue. As to whether or not the allegations were true, Mr Windsor said: “I wouldn’t have a clue”.

Earlier, opposition whip Patrick Secker said he may consider running for Speaker if Mr Slipper doesn’t resume the role.

Mr Secker, who lost preselection for his South Australian seat of Barker last month, told The Australian newspaper: “I am sure I could do the job.”

Mr Windsor later said he would be happy for Mr Secker to take up the role of Speaker.

The Barker MP was a “very decent person” who had been a good advocate for regional affairs, Mr Windsor told Sky News.

“I’d be more than comfortable if someone like Patrick Secker became Speaker.”

Labor MP Andrew Leigh reiterated the government’s position that Mr Slipper was entitled to the presumption of innocence.

“Any of us could have false claims made against us and the presumption of innocence is the right presumption to have,” he said.

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