Power & Politics Liberals, Conservatives working on deals that could avoid election: sources
9 snips
Feb 9, 2026 Negotiations are quietly underway to amend stalled legislation and avoid another federal election. Tense talks focus on the Budget Implementation Act, ministerial exemptions and hate-speech versus religious freedom. A justice committee meeting cancellation hints at progress. Family and legal reactions follow a 20-year sentence handed to a prominent Hong Kong media figure, with discussion of diplomatic options.
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Backroom Deals To Avoid An Election
- Kate McKenna reports Liberals and Conservatives are quietly negotiating amendments to major bills to avoid an election.
- They may remove provisions like ministerial exemptions to secure Conservative support and pass the Budget Implementation Act.
Budget Bill Is The Leverage Point
- The Budget Implementation Act is central and likely a confidence vote, so amendments are the bargaining lever.
- Conservatives flagged removing ministerial exemption powers as a likely concession to enable passage.
Committee Pause Signals Progress
- James Maloney cancelled a Justice Committee meeting because ongoing negotiations suggested a path to resolution.
- He frames the pause as constructive, saying talks could produce amendments to move the anti-hate bill forward.
