The Wire

Today’s appointment of Harry Jenkins as speaker in the House of Representatives means that Labor will be forced to govern with just a single vote’s leeway. Although Jenkins was re-elected unopposed, the move came with some hesitation after the opposition ripped up a promise to pair absent Labor MPs to keep the balance in parliament. Now that every number matters- if an MP is sick, delayed or misses his or her parliamentary duties- government legislation could be rejected. The Coalition has said it will grant pairs on a case-by-case basis, but Tony Abbott’s apparent reluctance to cooperate has earned him the title of ‘wrecker’ by the Gillard government.