PK: I understand. What I’m trying to get to is, is there something special just about this issue?
MARLES: There is no mandated consequence and the caucus has agency.
PK: So if she crossed the floor on something else, would she face a consequence? If it was China, or if it was on Myanmar, would [Fatima Payman] face consequence then?
MARLES: Members of our caucus absolutely understand their obligations as part of our caucus. The caucus has agency in terms of how it manages each and every case and there is no mandated consequence for this.
PK: So is it your view that Palestine is a specific issue. That’s what I want to find out.
MARLES: (repeats much of the above answer before continuing) … We’re going to manage this in a way which lives what we are seeking to do in the community, and that is bringing Australians together. You don’t bring Australians together if you send a message in terms of our behaviour here, that we’re about to expel people, impose consequences, because of their particular view on this issue.