The Latest Breaking News from Rex Patrick

Timing right for centrist return: Xenophon

Former senator Nick Xenophon, who is mounting a comeback, says the recent South Australian election is indicative of the political climate.

AAP · Mar 24, 2022

Newcastle nuclear submarine base shortlisting dismissed as 'pork-barrelling'

A Senator dismisses Newcastle's inclusion on a shortlist of sites being considered for a submarine base as pork-barrelling in the lead up to this year's federal election.

ABC News · Mar 8, 2022

Sub base plan branded as pork barrelling

Independent Senator Rex Patrick has lashed out at plans to build a nuclear-submarine base along parts of the east coast.

AAP · Mar 7, 2022

Religious discrimination laws in limbo – as it happened

This blog is now closed

The Guardian - AU · Feb 9, 2022

Court documents claim Alexander Downer called Timor-Leste an 'open book' in 2000 – years before bugging scandal

A court filing claims that then-foreign minister Alexander Downer boasted to a Labor staffer that Timor-Leste was an "open book", as allegations emerge that Australia may have been monitoring the nation's leaders before the 2004 Witness K bugging scandal.

ABC News · Feb 9, 2022

Alexander Downer called Timor-Leste an ‘open book’ for Australia in 2000, tribunal hears

Former foreign affairs department officer says Downer made comment in private conversation years before bugging scandal

The Guardian - AU · Feb 8, 2022

Cabinet documents reveal Australia pushed interests of oil and gas corporates before Timor-Leste bugging

Senator Rex Patrick fighting ongoing battle for further release of cabinet documents from 2000

The Guardian - AU · Feb 1, 2022

Coalition senators join growing calls for inquiry into Australia’s Covid response

Nationals Matt Canavan and Sam McMahon and Liberal Gerard Rennick back push from the crossbench and Labor

The Guardian - AU · Jan 26, 2022

St Kilda mangrove remediation could cost 'tens of millions' unless action is taken, senator warns

A South Australian senator says taxpayers could end up footing the bill to fix an environmental disaster caused by hypersalinity at a mangrove site north of Adelaide.

ABC News · Jan 19, 2022

Australia accused of ‘disgraceful’ bid to keep Timor-Leste bartering negotiations secret

Senator Rex Patrick says release of decades-old cabinet papers won’t further damage Timor relationship after spying and prosecution of Witness K and Bernard Collaery

The Guardian - AU · Jan 17, 2022