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Coalition backbenchers nervous about negative gearing as parliament resumes – politics live Coalition backbenchers nervous about negative gearing as parliament resumes – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.19am GMT
00:19
Reasons to love Politics Live readers. Was sham and ram onomatopoeia, I wondered to myself (and you) an hour or so ago.
@murpharoo Just in case nobody has replied to you, onomatopoeia is words that are pronounced or constructed to mimick a noise like meow bang
12.16am GMT
00:16
In case you are interested in the substance of that Christensen bill, here’s the explanatory memorandum.
The intent of this bill is to enshrine in law protection for the Australian national flag, following recent cases of flag burning in public places. It seeks to provide this protection by making it a criminal offence to wilfully destroy or otherwise mutilate the flag in circumstances where a reasonable person would infer that the dishonouring and defiling of the flag by burning or other actions is intended publicly to express contempt or disrespect for the flag or the Australian nation.
On recent occasions the flag-burning acts were undertaken to dishonour the flag in front of Australians and many present at the time, and thousands of others who witnessed the acts via media channels, found such desecration of their foremost national symbol highly offensive. In Australia we have enormous public support for protecting the flag. It is the paramount symbol of our nation. Thousands of Australian men and women have fought and died under this flag in the defence of the nation. Their sacrifice to defend our nation requires this Parliament to defend the flag for which they have fought.
And from the statement of compatibility with human rights:
The intent of this bill is to enshrine in law protection for the Australian flag, following two recent cases of flag burning in public places by counter protestors at reclaim Australia rallies.
On both occasions it must reasonably be assumed that the acts were undertaken to dishonour the flag in front of Australians who consider such desecration of their foremost national symbol as highly offensive.
12.10am GMT
00:10
Looking to the lower House now, and private member’s business. LNP backbencher George Christensen is currently trying to protect the integrity of the Australian flag.
Chattering classes, compliant and self serving media, ill winds, cultural relativism – it’s all thundering out of Christensen’s mouth right now as he makes his tabling speech.
I believe this bill is about stopping flag burnings. But we’ve segued into the racial discrimination legislation and section 18C and convenient omissions by the human rights commission.
I think Christensen’s point here is burning flags is a racist act. Patriotic Australians of European origin have as much right to be in Australia as Aborigines and other people the MP notes.
Racism is racism, you don’t have to have brown skin in order to be offended.
11.54pm GMT
23:54
So, in the double dissolution corner this Monday morning: Pyne, C and Morrison, S.
My own view is once you roll the Senate voting reform dice, you are basically locking in behind a double dissolution strategy. The alternative is the government (assuming a Turnbull victory in this case study) comes back after an election to face most of the same cross benchers who are in the chamber now, except these cross benchers now know the government has taken concrete steps to get them out of the chamber and limit future representation from micro party candidates.
Doesn’t sound very tenable to me.
11.49pm GMT11.49pm GMT
23:4923:49
Shalailah MedhoraShalailah Medhora
To another variety of door slamming, to double dissolutions. The leader of the House, Christopher Pyne, has been on Channel 7 earlier today, and gave his strongest indication yet that the government would go to a double dissolution election if the Senate doesn’t pass the government’s industrial relations legislation. To another variety of door slamming, to double dissolutions. The leader of the House, Christopher Pyne, has been on Channel 7 earlier today and gave his strongest indication yet that the government would go to a double dissolution election if the Senate doesn’t pass the government’s industrial relations legislation.
We would prefer the Senate to pass the Australian building and commission bill for example to clean-up building and construction in Australia, which is important for productivity and growth and jobs. We would prefer the Senate to pass the Australian building and commission bill, for example, to clean up building and construction in Australia, which is important for productivity and growth and jobs.
If they refuse to pass the legislation it makes us very difficult not to go to the polls - how else do we do the things we are elected for? We had a mandate for change before the last election, it was our policy. The crossbenchers, Labor and Greens are blocking it. Only a couple of options left available to a government in those situations. If they refuse to pass the legislation it makes us very difficult not to go to the polls – how else do we do the things we are elected for? We had a mandate for change before the last election, it was our policy. The crossbenchers, Labor and Greens are blocking it. Only a couple of options left available to a government in those situations.
Updated
at 11.52pm GMT
11.37pm GMT11.37pm GMT
23:3723:37
Stephen Conroy apparently left the meeting of the electoral matters committee when members declined to allow him to hear an answer to a question. I don’t know if he slammed the door.Stephen Conroy apparently left the meeting of the electoral matters committee when members declined to allow him to hear an answer to a question. I don’t know if he slammed the door.
11.32pm GMT11.32pm GMT
23:3223:32
Sham and ram.Sham and ram.
This is Labor’s Sam Dastyari, sledging the Greens.This is Labor’s Sam Dastyari, sledging the Greens.
Is this onomatopoeia? Sham and ram. Someone will jog my memory.Is this onomatopoeia? Sham and ram. Someone will jog my memory.
11.26pm GMT11.26pm GMT
23:2623:26
I didn’t catch the beginning of this debate, but I gather, reading between the lines, that Labor’s Stephen Conroy has been ejected from a meeting of the joint committee on electoral matters. I’ll chase particulars when there’s a moment. Labor’s Doug Cameron is now engaging on the subject of Richard Di Natale’s glass jaw. Cameron says at this rate, the Greens will go the way of the Democrats – dealing their way to disappearing. I didn’t catch the beginning of this debate, but I gather, reading between the lines, that Labor’s Stephen Conroy has been ejected from a meeting of the joint committee on electoral matters. I’ll chase particulars when there’s a moment. Labor’s Doug Cameron is now engaging on the subject of Richard Di Natale’s glass jaw. Cameron says at this rate the Greens will go the way of the Democrats – dealing their way to disappearing.
Updated
at 11.53pm GMT
11.20pm GMT11.20pm GMT
23:2023:20
Di Natale says Labor is objecting to a short inquiry into a proposal it has no intention of supporting anyway. The Greens leader suggests Labor is hiding behind the process rather than debating the substance.Di Natale says Labor is objecting to a short inquiry into a proposal it has no intention of supporting anyway. The Greens leader suggests Labor is hiding behind the process rather than debating the substance.
Senate Bob Day of Family First has the call now.Senate Bob Day of Family First has the call now.
This is third world stuff, wiping out independents is what they do in third world countries!This is third world stuff, wiping out independents is what they do in third world countries!
11.17pm GMT11.17pm GMT
23:1723:17
Greens leader Richard Di Natale, in response to Penny Wong.Greens leader Richard Di Natale, in response to Penny Wong.
There is something that is always in short supply in this chamber, and it’s logic.There is something that is always in short supply in this chamber, and it’s logic.
11.15pm GMT11.15pm GMT
23:1523:15
The chambers have begun their daily duties. The finance minister and special minister of state Mathias Cormann has been telling the red chamber he wants the Senate voting reform package on for debate in the middle of this week.The chambers have begun their daily duties. The finance minister and special minister of state Mathias Cormann has been telling the red chamber he wants the Senate voting reform package on for debate in the middle of this week.
There’s much finger pointing down there right now. Green Lee Rhiannon is talking about Labor’s Stephen Conroy slamming a door at a meeting of the joint standing committee on electoral matters. Now Labor’s Senate leader Penny Wong is talking about strange bedfellows in politics, and ramming legislation through the Senate.There’s much finger pointing down there right now. Green Lee Rhiannon is talking about Labor’s Stephen Conroy slamming a door at a meeting of the joint standing committee on electoral matters. Now Labor’s Senate leader Penny Wong is talking about strange bedfellows in politics, and ramming legislation through the Senate.
Penny Wong:Penny Wong:
The biggest changes [to the voting system] in thirty years with half a day’s hearing!The biggest changes [to the voting system] in thirty years with half a day’s hearing!
11.05pm GMT11.05pm GMT
23:0523:05
A statement from the shadow climate minister Mark Butler, on Lenore’s story this morning about land clearing in Queensland threatening Australia’s international emissions reduction commitments.A statement from the shadow climate minister Mark Butler, on Lenore’s story this morning about land clearing in Queensland threatening Australia’s international emissions reduction commitments.
Mark Butler:Mark Butler:
The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) is the centrepiece of Direct Action, which has spent the majority of its funds in land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) emissions abatement. In 2015, two ERF auctions were held, with $1.2bn spent to purchase greenhouse gas abatement of 92 Mt CO₂e. Of this, more than half (51 Mt CO₂e) was in the LULUCF sector.The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) is the centrepiece of Direct Action, which has spent the majority of its funds in land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) emissions abatement. In 2015, two ERF auctions were held, with $1.2bn spent to purchase greenhouse gas abatement of 92 Mt CO₂e. Of this, more than half (51 Mt CO₂e) was in the LULUCF sector.
In 2013-14, emissions from tree clearing in Queensland were 36 Mt CO₂e. If clearing continues at this speed, in 18 months, tree clearing in Queensland alone will negate the entire LULUCF abatement achieved by the ERF in 2015. This government has proven to be incapable of reducing emissions and taking any meaningful action on climate change.In 2013-14, emissions from tree clearing in Queensland were 36 Mt CO₂e. If clearing continues at this speed, in 18 months, tree clearing in Queensland alone will negate the entire LULUCF abatement achieved by the ERF in 2015. This government has proven to be incapable of reducing emissions and taking any meaningful action on climate change.
11.01pm GMT11.01pm GMT
23:0123:01
Trying to find anyone in the government to defend the safe schools program is hard work at the moment. Readers here last week will know the government has launched a review into the program because of concerns from conservative MPs that it preaches rainbow ideology to our innocents.Trying to find anyone in the government to defend the safe schools program is hard work at the moment. Readers here last week will know the government has launched a review into the program because of concerns from conservative MPs that it preaches rainbow ideology to our innocents.
Talking to a bunch of government people yesterday in preparation for another sitting week, it was clear that the prime minister really hadn’t intended to launch a full tilt review into this program. His intention was to get the education minister to focus on the complaints and report back. Be that as it may, there’s a review on now, and government defenders of the program (which aims to prevent bullying of LGBTI kids in schools) are not exactly thick on the ground.Talking to a bunch of government people yesterday in preparation for another sitting week, it was clear that the prime minister really hadn’t intended to launch a full tilt review into this program. His intention was to get the education minister to focus on the complaints and report back. Be that as it may, there’s a review on now, and government defenders of the program (which aims to prevent bullying of LGBTI kids in schools) are not exactly thick on the ground.
AAP tells me Ewen Jones, a government backbencher from Queensland, is prepared to trust teachers to implement this program sensibly. Jones told reporters in Canberra on Monday that two kids at his son’s school took their own lives. Jones said his wife and younger brother were both teachers.AAP tells me Ewen Jones, a government backbencher from Queensland, is prepared to trust teachers to implement this program sensibly. Jones told reporters in Canberra on Monday that two kids at his son’s school took their own lives. Jones said his wife and younger brother were both teachers.
What we must do is make sure we are backing our professionals.What we must do is make sure we are backing our professionals.
He said the program was important because if teachers were asked questions about gender and sexuality they needed the appropriate resources to be able respond.He said the program was important because if teachers were asked questions about gender and sexuality they needed the appropriate resources to be able respond.
10.50pm GMT10.50pm GMT
22:5022:50
Communications minister Mitch Fifield, on this morning’s NBN story.Communications minister Mitch Fifield, on this morning’s NBN story.
The NBN is on track to meet its targets for the financial year, within the budget set out in the company’s corporate plan. Any suggestion to the contrary is just wrong. The company has met its targets for the past six quarters in a row. This is in stark contrast to management under Labor, when the company had barely managed to connect 50,000 users after four years.The NBN is on track to meet its targets for the financial year, within the budget set out in the company’s corporate plan. Any suggestion to the contrary is just wrong. The company has met its targets for the past six quarters in a row. This is in stark contrast to management under Labor, when the company had barely managed to connect 50,000 users after four years.
10.44pm GMT10.44pm GMT
22:4422:44
Ray has had Antony Green on. Green is the ABC election analyst. Dates and double dissolutions. Those dates are critical. May 11 is the cut off date, Ray says.Ray has had Antony Green on. Green is the ABC election analyst. Dates and double dissolutions. Those dates are critical. May 11 is the cut off date, Ray says.
Morrison agrees that’s an accurate assessment of the situation. For added drama, the treasurer notes that when it comes to double dissolutions, it is clear the prime minister isn’t bluffing. But the treasurer notes it will be Turnbull’s call whether or not we go to a double dissolution election. What would the treasurer’s counsel be, Morrison wonders? Oh come on, mate, Morrison says. Haw haw haw.Morrison agrees that’s an accurate assessment of the situation. For added drama, the treasurer notes that when it comes to double dissolutions, it is clear the prime minister isn’t bluffing. But the treasurer notes it will be Turnbull’s call whether or not we go to a double dissolution election. What would the treasurer’s counsel be, Morrison wonders? Oh come on, mate, Morrison says. Haw haw haw.
10.39pm GMT10.39pm GMT
22:3922:39
Now we are in a segment of the interview where Ray notes that the government didn’t actually own that dairy company in Tasmania (which has been a controversial recent foreign investment transaction). Not sure anyone did think the government owned the company but let’s not digress. Ray’s a bit distracted by a golf tournament.Now we are in a segment of the interview where Ray notes that the government didn’t actually own that dairy company in Tasmania (which has been a controversial recent foreign investment transaction). Not sure anyone did think the government owned the company but let’s not digress. Ray’s a bit distracted by a golf tournament.
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
I knew people would be upset about [the sale] but I have to make decisions in the interest of jobs and growth in Australia.I knew people would be upset about [the sale] but I have to make decisions in the interest of jobs and growth in Australia.
10.35pm GMT10.35pm GMT
22:3522:35
Ray wants to know why the GST was on the table then off the table. The GST is off the table because the bill for the compensation went up and up and up, Morrison says.Ray wants to know why the GST was on the table then off the table. The GST is off the table because the bill for the compensation went up and up and up, Morrison says.
How about negative gearing, Ray wonders? He references a Daily Telegraph story this morning which has some options for capping losses, including some modelling indicating what revenue could be collected.How about negative gearing, Ray wonders? He references a Daily Telegraph story this morning which has some options for capping losses, including some modelling indicating what revenue could be collected.
Morrison doesn’t sound that chuffed with the modelling.Morrison doesn’t sound that chuffed with the modelling.
I hope the Daily Telegraph didn’t pay too much for that advice.I hope the Daily Telegraph didn’t pay too much for that advice.
Ray persists. What’s going to happen on negative gearing?Ray persists. What’s going to happen on negative gearing?
We’ve made it clear the government is continuing to consider all the options.We’ve made it clear the government is continuing to consider all the options.
Morrison says government’s need to be cautious when it comes to negative gearing.Morrison says government’s need to be cautious when it comes to negative gearing.
Q: So you agree with John Howard then?Q: So you agree with John Howard then?
I think you’ve got to be very careful. We aren’t going to rush to the crazy idea Labor has put up.I think you’ve got to be very careful. We aren’t going to rush to the crazy idea Labor has put up.
10.30pm GMT10.30pm GMT
22:3022:30
Ray opens with inquiring whether the treasurer is out of witness protection.Ray opens with inquiring whether the treasurer is out of witness protection.
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
G’day Ray I’m glad you missed me.G’day Ray I’m glad you missed me.
Ray would like to know where he was last Monday. Morrison says last Monday I was meeting treasury officials and there was a special meeting about Senate voting reform.Ray would like to know where he was last Monday. Morrison says last Monday I was meeting treasury officials and there was a special meeting about Senate voting reform.
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
It may comes as a surprise but I have a very busy job. I’ll continue to do this where the schedule permits.It may comes as a surprise but I have a very busy job. I’ll continue to do this where the schedule permits.
Ray thinks Scott wasn’t very good at the National Press Club the week before last.Ray thinks Scott wasn’t very good at the National Press Club the week before last.
It was a tough week.It was a tough week.