Wilson resignation triggers third WA by-election

Fremantle MP Josh Wilson has triggered a third by-election in Western Australia, after resigning today following a High Court ruling that removed Labor senator Katy Gallagher from parliament.

Mr Wilson was among four other MPs who quit today, with Ms Gallagher’s disqualification classed as a breach of section 44 of the Constitution for failing to rescind her British citizenship before the 2016 election.

British-born Mr Wilson, who was endorsed as a late replacement Labor candidate in Fremantle, had his citizenship renounced after nominations closed for the federal election.

Mr Wilson said the High Court’s interpretation of the law had changed.

“The new interpretation of the law means the question of whether a person took all ‘reasonable steps’ to renounce foreign citizenship simply doesn’t exist for dual Australian-British citizens, irrespective of the administrative delay in the process,” he said.

“That means I must resign as the member for Fremantle and contest the forthcoming by-election.

“I am looking forward to once again seeking that trust and responsibility in the weeks to come, and I am happy to be considered by voters in the Fremantle electorate on the basis of my character, principles, work-ethic, and record.”

Attorney-General Christian Porter said the law had been clear since the High Court decision in October regarding coalition MP Matt Canavan.

"The decision is clear and doesn't change the law," he said.

"It confirms the law as we have known it to be since October.”

Labor MPs Justine Keay and Susan Lamb, along with Centre Alliance’s Rehekha Sharkie also resigned today amid the fallout from the High Court decision.

The news comes after federal Perth MP Tim Hammond announced his resignation last week, while state Labor MP Barry Urban quit yesterday after a parliamentary inquiry recommended his expulsion.