Nationals MP Ben Franklin is facing expulsion from his party as colleagues consider referring his potential nomination for a powerful role within the NSW parliament to the state’s corruption watchdog.
NSW Premier Chris Minns is backing a bid from Mr Franklin, a close friend, to become upper house president in a move that would make it easier for Labor to pass legislation in the split chamber.
The president does not vote on bills, so the elevation would slice a vote from the opposition, making it easier for the government to pass laws.
It has caused a schism in the NSW Nationals, with party leader Paul Toole describing the situation as “distressing” and saying it would be a betrayal of the coalition.
“I think many people in the party would actually see that as a very concerning situation … and it could be seen as disloyalty,” Mr Toole told Sydney radio station 2GB on Thursday.
The crisis prompted the Nationals to call a snap party-room meeting on Thursday morning, when MPs also discussed referring the matter to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Deputy Premier Prue Car accused the Nationals of trying to use the corruption watchdog to mediate political grievances.
“The ICAC is not there to monitor squabbles within the National Party,” Ms Car said.
“This seems to be the National Party really having a hissy fit because Paul Toole doesn’t have control of his own party room.
“If Ben decides to nominate, it’s a matter for him personally, and the National Party needs to sort that out within itself.”
She said although Labor was in minority government, the party had been given a mandate by the people of NSW.
The Legislative Council president job comes with a $315,814 annual pay packet, as well as numerous perks, including additional staff, a car and driver.
Mr Toole said he had spoken with Mr Franklin but was unable to secure an assurance that his party colleague would not nominate for the role.
“It actually takes us one vote down, and that is the most distressing thing here,” he said.
“When you’re talking about every vote in the upper house, it’s going to be tight. We need everybody on the floor.”
In a thinly veiled threat, Mr Toole said any decision would be scrutinised by the party room and state executive, which has the power to expel Mr Franklin from the party.
Mr Minns endorsed him for the role on Wednesday, saying he would instruct his own party room to elect a non-government member for the job.
The Greens, who have four members in the upper house, also favour electing a non-government member.
In the lower house, independent MP Greg Piper is expected to take the equivalent role of Speaker.
The office of the Premier and Mr Franklin have been contacted for comment.
