August 03, 2015 6:42AM
Bronwyn Bishop has resigned as Speaker , the PM has launched a review into MP's entitlements. Play video
THE contest for the coveted role of Speaker is set to intensify today after Prime Minister Tony Abbott began consultations with colleagues last night.
But anyone considering the job will be wary of the curse that has been attached to the coveted job in past times, with Bronwyn Bishop joining the list of high-profile casualties including Peter Slipper and “Leaping” Leo McLeay.
Possible contenders for the position include Queenslander Bruce Scott, who has already regularly filled in for Mrs Bishop.
His selection would bring a calmness to the role and he would enjoy Labor’s support. He is expected to announce today his retirement from the seat of Maranoa at the 2016 poll.
Philip Ruddock is also well qualified thanks to his knowledge of the Parliament, while Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has been mentioned by Labor.
Peter Slipper: forced to quit. Source: News Limited
It’s also possible Mr Abbott will call for nominations and have the party room vote in the next Speaker, who undoubtedly will be hoping to avoid the scandals that have afflicted the role in the past.
Who could forget Mr McLeay and the folding pushbike, for example? Speaker between 1989 and 1993 in the Hawke and Keating Labor governments, the former Marrickville councillor quit as Speaker following accusations he had falsely claimed compensation after an accident involving a folding bike he had hired from Parliament House. The bike collapsed on him and Mr McLeay broke his arm.
Then there was Mr Slipper, and sex claims and his Cabcharge vouchers.
In 2012, his former staffer James Ashby tried to sue Mr Slipper and the Commonwealth, claiming the former Speaker had made unwelcome advances.
Mr Slipper resigned in October 2012 and the Commonwealth settled with Mr Ashby out of court. Last year Mr Ashby dropped the case against Mr Slipper.
In February this year, Mr Slipper won his appeal against three dishonesty convictions over misusing his Cabcharge allowance in 2010 to visit Canberra wineries.
Bronwyn Bishop resigns: Search on for new Speaker
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