Apparently, Labor MPs might try to recall Mr Theophanous, who took leave last month after being accused of rape, to increase the chances of passing the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Bill. This bill, if passed, would give single women and lesbian couples more access to IVF and surrogacy.

It is interesting to note that Mr Theophanous has a history of not always supporting socially liberal reforms. Now, we have no idea whether there is any truth in the rape accusation and Mr Theophanous denies it. In any case, Mr Theophanous' political life needs resuscitation, if it is not too late already, and Labor wants more votes to pass this bill. This begs the question: are some Labor MPs offering Mr Theophanous an exchange of party favors?

More disturbing than all this is the usual talk of "conscience vote". Well, that is interesting. So, politicians - the supposed leaders and representatives of the community - do not normally exercise their consciences then? (I mean, assuming they have any.) Of course not - how naïve of me - they would normally tow the party line. Right, so it is the usual rule-by-tyranny and do-whatever-it-takes-to-stay-in-office-then?

Well, that's a relief.