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Penalty rate cuts will be phased in, Malcolm Turnbull says – politics live Penalty rate cuts will be phased in, Malcolm Turnbull says – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.18am GMT
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Last night, Barnaby Joyce spoke at the launch of the National Rural Press Club. It occurred in the National’s party room. Notwithstanding its location, it was a bipartisan event organised by Land journalist Colin Bettles. It included speakers such as Labor senator Glenn Sterle, Greens senator Janet Rice, Indi independent Cathy McGowan and keynote speaker Joyce. (In the interests of disclosure, AFR journo Phil Coorey and I also spoke briefly.)
Joyce told the crowd that it was very important to speak to the press and explain policies in order to engage with voters.
In a cheeky speech, McGowan said she hoped more independents like her would create greater competition in rural and regional NSW and particularly mentioned Queensland, perhaps for the benefit of the recently de-whipped George Christensen, who was in the back of the room.
While McGowan was speaking, Victorian National senator Bridget McKenzie walked in, visibly horrified at McGowan at the lectern in the sacred space. While I am not a lip reader, she mouthed to her colleague something along the lines of “what is she doing here?”
McGowan batted on, as a bit of wing-fluffing occurred at the back of the room. Then she took the opportunity to grab the number of the deputy PM.
11.54pm GMT11.54pm GMT
23:5423:54
Carly’s law.Carly’s law.
Sonya Ryan, the justice minister, Michael Keenan, Nick Xenophon, Skye Kakoschke-Moore and Derryn Hinch marked the 10-year anniversary of her death with the unveiling of a memorial quilt, made from Carly’s favourite clothes.Sonya Ryan, the justice minister, Michael Keenan, Nick Xenophon, Skye Kakoschke-Moore and Derryn Hinch marked the 10-year anniversary of her death with the unveiling of a memorial quilt, made from Carly’s favourite clothes.
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at 12.01am GMTat 12.01am GMT
11.44pm GMT11.44pm GMT
23:4423:44
More on Centrelink.More on Centrelink.
DHS confirms it has spoken with privacy commissioner on the release of private info, not yet formal inquiry. #estimates @gabriellechanDHS confirms it has spoken with privacy commissioner on the release of private info, not yet formal inquiry. #estimates @gabriellechan
11.41pm GMT11.41pm GMT
23:4123:41
Just another middle-aged bloke trying to lose weight.Just another middle-aged bloke trying to lose weight.
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at 11.52pm GMTat 11.52pm GMT
11.38pm GMT11.38pm GMT
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The Senate crossbenchers Nick Xenophon and Derryn Hinch have negotiated an amendment to the criminal code that is known as Carly’s law. It is due to come to the parliament this morning.The Senate crossbenchers Nick Xenophon and Derryn Hinch have negotiated an amendment to the criminal code that is known as Carly’s law. It is due to come to the parliament this morning.
This is the amendment.This is the amendment.
Acts done in preparation for, or planning to, cause harm to or engage in sexual activity with a minorActs done in preparation for, or planning to, cause harm to or engage in sexual activity with a minor
(1) A person (the defendant) commits an offence if the person uses a carriage service to do any act in preparation for, or planning to:(1) A person (the defendant) commits an offence if the person uses a carriage service to do any act in preparation for, or planning to:
(a) cause harm to a person under the age of 16; or(a) cause harm to a person under the age of 16; or
(b) engage in sexual activity with a person under the age of 16; or(b) engage in sexual activity with a person under the age of 16; or
(c) procure a person under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity, and(c) procure a person under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity, and
(2) the defendant is at least 18 years of age.(2) the defendant is at least 18 years of age.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
Xenophon has been pushing for this law since 2o13 after a campaign by Sonya Ryan, the mother of 15-year-old Carly Ryan, who became the first person murdered in Australia by an online predator. Her murderer was a 50-year-old paedophile who posed as a 20-year-old to lure Carly to a meeting.Xenophon has been pushing for this law since 2o13 after a campaign by Sonya Ryan, the mother of 15-year-old Carly Ryan, who became the first person murdered in Australia by an online predator. Her murderer was a 50-year-old paedophile who posed as a 20-year-old to lure Carly to a meeting.
The senator says the new laws fill a gap in the criminal code by allowing police to intervene when a predator is preparing to cause harm. Crucially this will include when a predator lies about his or her age to a child.The senator says the new laws fill a gap in the criminal code by allowing police to intervene when a predator is preparing to cause harm. Crucially this will include when a predator lies about his or her age to a child.
Since her daughter’s death, Sonya Ryan has spoken to tens of thousands of school children and their families about the risk of online predators.Since her daughter’s death, Sonya Ryan has spoken to tens of thousands of school children and their families about the risk of online predators.
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at 12.02am GMTat 12.02am GMT
11.30pm GMT11.30pm GMT
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The national disability insurance scheme savings fund – set up to quarantine savings from the uncertain omnibus bill – has just passed through the lower house.The national disability insurance scheme savings fund – set up to quarantine savings from the uncertain omnibus bill – has just passed through the lower house.
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at 11.54pm GMTat 11.54pm GMT
11.23pm GMT11.23pm GMT
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but says, in this case, woman's claims were "unfounded" and could make others worry they have not complied with own requirements. #estimatesbut says, in this case, woman's claims were "unfounded" and could make others worry they have not complied with own requirements. #estimates
11.21pm GMT11.21pm GMT
23:2123:21
Bill Shorten is asked why he promised to support the independent Fair Work Commission decision before the election and then changed his mind.Bill Shorten is asked why he promised to support the independent Fair Work Commission decision before the election and then changed his mind.
I think you need to ask [Malcolm Turnbull]. When the remuneration tribunal for truck drivers made a decision he didn’t like, he didn’t just overrule the decision, he sacked the tribunal. Not a lot of respect for the independent umpire was there then.I think you need to ask [Malcolm Turnbull]. When the remuneration tribunal for truck drivers made a decision he didn’t like, he didn’t just overrule the decision, he sacked the tribunal. Not a lot of respect for the independent umpire was there then.
Or when the [Country Fire Authority] negotiated an enterprise agreement with professional firefighters last year, Malcolm Turnbull passed a law to overturn the enterprise agreement.Or when the [Country Fire Authority] negotiated an enterprise agreement with professional firefighters last year, Malcolm Turnbull passed a law to overturn the enterprise agreement.
A federal court is the independent umpire, isn’t it? And on native title, we had a debate last week where the government wants to overturn a decision. This is a government who is very selective about which decisions it takes action on.A federal court is the independent umpire, isn’t it? And on native title, we had a debate last week where the government wants to overturn a decision. This is a government who is very selective about which decisions it takes action on.
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at 12.03am GMTat 12.03am GMT
11.16pm GMT11.16pm GMT
23:1623:16
Bill Shorten says it is a dumb idea to phase in penalty rate cuts through a grandfathering provision. Employers will just roster the cheaper worker ahead of the more expensive worker.Bill Shorten says it is a dumb idea to phase in penalty rate cuts through a grandfathering provision. Employers will just roster the cheaper worker ahead of the more expensive worker.
The problem is if you are a small business or a big business and you have the choice of rostering someone at eight hours on a Sunday at double time or rostering someone for eight hours on a Sunday for time and a half, you don’t need to be a Rhodes scholar to work out what will happen. This is a government desperate to cover a smokescreen.The problem is if you are a small business or a big business and you have the choice of rostering someone at eight hours on a Sunday at double time or rostering someone for eight hours on a Sunday for time and a half, you don’t need to be a Rhodes scholar to work out what will happen. This is a government desperate to cover a smokescreen.
(The FWC have said they don’t support grandfathering.)(The FWC have said they don’t support grandfathering.)
Shorten does not address the concept of phasing in the rate cut for everyone over time.Shorten does not address the concept of phasing in the rate cut for everyone over time.
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at 11.29pm GMTat 11.29pm GMT
11.13pm GMT11.13pm GMT
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Bill Shorten is speaking in a workplace of some sort. He addresses the government’s attacks that he bargained away penalty rates. He says deals he negotiated increased workers’ overall pay.Bill Shorten is speaking in a workplace of some sort. He addresses the government’s attacks that he bargained away penalty rates. He says deals he negotiated increased workers’ overall pay.
Q: When you were the head of AWU, did you bargain away penalty rates?Q: When you were the head of AWU, did you bargain away penalty rates?
Look, I’ve watched the government attacking me for standing up for workers. I will back my record for protecting workers’ rights and conditions against Malcolm Turnbull and his whole frontbench any day of the week. Malcolm Turnbull has been trying to look at union deals, negotiated on behalf of workers, approved by the Fair Work Commission, which see people increase their overall pay.Look, I’ve watched the government attacking me for standing up for workers. I will back my record for protecting workers’ rights and conditions against Malcolm Turnbull and his whole frontbench any day of the week. Malcolm Turnbull has been trying to look at union deals, negotiated on behalf of workers, approved by the Fair Work Commission, which see people increase their overall pay.
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at 11.28pm GMTat 11.28pm GMT
11.04pm GMT11.04pm GMT
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Peter Dutton on leadership aspirations and conspiracy theoriesPeter Dutton on leadership aspirations and conspiracy theories
There is peak derp happening today. The immigration minister, Peter Dutton, the man with the tan and the plan, is talking about his crackdown on 457 visas used in fast-food outlets.There is peak derp happening today. The immigration minister, Peter Dutton, the man with the tan and the plan, is talking about his crackdown on 457 visas used in fast-food outlets.
PDuddy’s meditations on immigration policy are interrupted by leadership questions.PDuddy’s meditations on immigration policy are interrupted by leadership questions.
Q: Do you have leadership aspirations?Q: Do you have leadership aspirations?
I have dealt with that. My loyalty was to Tony Abbott when I served in his cabinet.I have dealt with that. My loyalty was to Tony Abbott when I served in his cabinet.
My loyalty is to Malcolm Turnbull. I serve in his cabinet because I believe in him as leader and I want all my colleagues to do everything within their power to make sure the government succeeds, the prime minister succeeds.My loyalty is to Malcolm Turnbull. I serve in his cabinet because I believe in him as leader and I want all my colleagues to do everything within their power to make sure the government succeeds, the prime minister succeeds.
That is what I pledge myself to and I want to make sure that overall, we do not get Bill Shorten at the next election.That is what I pledge myself to and I want to make sure that overall, we do not get Bill Shorten at the next election.
Q: Why then were you seen going for a walk with WA powerbroker Mathias Cormann?Q: Why then were you seen going for a walk with WA powerbroker Mathias Cormann?
He is a close friend of mine and has been for a long time. He was my shadow health parliamentary secretary. So I have had a close friendship.He is a close friend of mine and has been for a long time. He was my shadow health parliamentary secretary. So I have had a close friendship.
I go to the gym, I am sorry it doesn’t show but I do exercise a fair bit. And he, like me, wants to lose a fair bit of weight. I am not sure if that accords with your conspiracy theory but two middle-age blokes trying to lose weight, I am not sure you can speculate on that.I go to the gym, I am sorry it doesn’t show but I do exercise a fair bit. And he, like me, wants to lose a fair bit of weight. I am not sure if that accords with your conspiracy theory but two middle-age blokes trying to lose weight, I am not sure you can speculate on that.
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at 11.14pm GMTat 11.14pm GMT
10.49pm GMT10.49pm GMT
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That's a remarkable interpretation of s202 of the social security (admin) act, which allows disclosure for purposes of social security lawThat's a remarkable interpretation of s202 of the social security (admin) act, which allows disclosure for purposes of social security law
10.47pm GMT10.47pm GMT
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DHS confirms didn't have public interest certificate for release of welfare recipient's info, says didn't need it #estimates @gabriellechanDHS confirms didn't have public interest certificate for release of welfare recipient's info, says didn't need it #estimates @gabriellechan
10.46pm GMT10.46pm GMT
22:4622:46
I had this vague feeling that I was missing something, with Senate estimates committees rolling here. Then I realised it was actually the parliament.I had this vague feeling that I was missing something, with Senate estimates committees rolling here. Then I realised it was actually the parliament.
*hits forehead on desk**hits forehead on desk*
So the lower house began at 9.30am with government business.So the lower house began at 9.30am with government business.
First cab off the rank is NDIS savings account, designed to squirrel away savings from the omnibus bill for the NDIS.First cab off the rank is NDIS savings account, designed to squirrel away savings from the omnibus bill for the NDIS.
These are the bits of legislation on the list today.These are the bits of legislation on the list today.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Savings Fund Special AccountNational Disability Insurance Scheme Savings Fund Special Account
Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1)Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1)
Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Digital Readiness and Other Measures)Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Digital Readiness and Other Measures)
Treasury Laws Amendment (Enterprise Tax Plan)Treasury Laws Amendment (Enterprise Tax Plan)
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at 10.48pm GMTat 10.48pm GMT
10.37pm GMT10.37pm GMT
22:3722:37
On Centrelink:On Centrelink:
Labor senator Murray Watt questioning on release of personal information, is asking where dept GM @HankJongen is. #estimates @gabriellechanLabor senator Murray Watt questioning on release of personal information, is asking where dept GM @HankJongen is. #estimates @gabriellechan
DHS agree the personal information it handed to journo was protected information, but was done so lawfully #estimates @gabriellechanDHS agree the personal information it handed to journo was protected information, but was done so lawfully #estimates @gabriellechan
10.34pm GMT10.34pm GMT
22:3422:34
Tony Burke has been prosecuting Labor’s penalty rate argument on Sky news. It looks like a dry run for a 2018 election slogan.Tony Burke has been prosecuting Labor’s penalty rate argument on Sky news. It looks like a dry run for a 2018 election slogan.
Workers face pay cuts.Workers face pay cuts.
The government can fix it.The government can fix it.
The government is choosing not to.The government is choosing not to.
10.21pm GMT10.21pm GMT
22:2122:21
Regarding the Centrelink release of personal information on a critic of the system:Regarding the Centrelink release of personal information on a critic of the system:
Campbell defends release of personal information by dept, says it has the power to do so under social security law #estimates @gabriellechanCampbell defends release of personal information by dept, says it has the power to do so under social security law #estimates @gabriellechan
The background is here.The background is here.
Welfare recipient Andie Fox wrote an article for Fairfax Media earlier this month setting out her difficulties dealing with the agency after she began receiving calls from a debt collector.Welfare recipient Andie Fox wrote an article for Fairfax Media earlier this month setting out her difficulties dealing with the agency after she began receiving calls from a debt collector.
But, over the weekend, she was shocked to discover details of her interactions with Centrelink and claim history set out – with some information she says is incorrect – in a separate article by Fairfax Media.But, over the weekend, she was shocked to discover details of her interactions with Centrelink and claim history set out – with some information she says is incorrect – in a separate article by Fairfax Media.
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at 10.23pm GMTat 10.23pm GMT
10.21pm GMT10.21pm GMT
22:2122:21
Penny Wong and her eyebrows are questioning the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Frances Adamson, on the global heads of missions meetings which was revealed by the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop. Penny Wong and her eyebrows are questioning the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Frances Adamson, on the global heads of missions meetings, which were revealed by the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop.
This is the inaugural global heads of missions meetings where more than 100 ambassadors and heads of mission are brought back to Australia to discuss the government’s foreign white paper.This is the inaugural global heads of missions meetings where more than 100 ambassadors and heads of mission are brought back to Australia to discuss the government’s foreign white paper.
Adamson says it was her idea.Adamson says it was her idea.
Wong wants to know what the outcome of the meeting will be. Adamson says the outcome will be fed into the white paper. Wong wants to know if there will be a formal report process.Wong wants to know what the outcome of the meeting will be. Adamson says the outcome will be fed into the white paper. Wong wants to know if there will be a formal report process.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.46pm GMT at 12.05am GMT
10.17pm GMT10.17pm GMT
22:1722:17
Campbell agrees in some cases initial robo debt letters were sent to old addresses. Says 6600 addresses were old #estimates @gabriellechanCampbell agrees in some cases initial robo debt letters were sent to old addresses. Says 6600 addresses were old #estimates @gabriellechan