Scott Morrison turns to Jacqui Lambie over medevac vote
The prime minister will sit down with independent senator Jacqui Lambie to get her crucial support for the government's repeal of medevac laws.
The government is still licking its wounds over its failed union-busting bill and Scott Morrison needs Senator Lambie's vote for a win in the senate.
The Tasmanian firebrand is set to hold talks with Mr Morrison today ahead of the vote, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age reported.
Scott Morrison and his government suffered a loss last week when its union-busting bill was defeated. AAP
Senator Lambie continues to remain tight-lipped on her demands, saying it's a national security issue.
The medevac laws give doctors a greater say in transferring refugees from offshore detention to Australia for medical treatment.
Sources have told the newspapers that Senator Lambie wants to see offshore detainees resettled in New Zealand.
The government needs Jacqui Lambie's support over the repeal of medevac laws. AAP
But Senator Lambie refused to reveal her conditions yesterday.
"I have given the government a choice," Senator Lambie told ABC's Insiders program.
She said she was negotiating with Mr Morrison and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton in good faith.
"We have put a lot of hours into this, from myself and my office, and we are doing everything we possibly can to make sure this is a great outcome," Senator Lambie said
New Zealand has long offered to take 150 refugees per year from Australia's offshore processing centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru.
Both coalition and Labor governments have refused, saying it would lead to more asylum-seeker boats arriving.
Last week, the government was blindsided by One Nation who voted against its contentious industrial relations bill.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
