Stephen Parry discussed potential dual citizenship with colleagues months before telling PM

Former Senate President Stephen Parry had discussions about his potential dual citizenship with senior coalition colleagues months before he revealed it to Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull.

9NEWS has confirmed conversations of a general nature took place with members of cabinet, comparing the circumstance of Senator Parry with that of the now-disqualified minister Fiona Nash.

It’s understood the government was relying on the advice of the solicitor-general, believing Senator Nash and former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce would be cleared by the High Court.

However Mr Turnbull was critical of the outgoing Senate president.

“He should have reported it much earlier and it could have been referred to the High Court,” the prime minister said.

“He chose to delay his reporting of it.”

Senator Parry announced yesterday he was a dual Australian and British citizen.

He has resigned from the Senate, but will still be referred to the High Court.

The vacancies created by the High Court's rulings on Senators Nash, Roberts, Ludlam and Waters will be announced next week.