This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2017/jun/14/climate-politics-comes-back-to-haunt-coalition-with-divided-party-room-meeting-politics-live

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Climate politics comes back to haunt Coalition with divided party room meeting – politics live Climate politics comes back to haunt Coalition with divided party room meeting – politics live
(35 minutes later)
1.51am BST
01:51
Government settles on Manus detainees class action
Ben Doherty reports:
A class action seeking damages for more than 1,900 Manus Island detainees has been settled.
Lawyers for the detainees told the Victorian supreme court in Melbourne on Wednesday that they have reached a settlement with the Australian government and the operators of the Manus Island regional processing centre.
The 1,905 class action group members were seeking damages for alleged physical and psychological injuries they argue they suffered as a result of the conditions in which they were held on Manus, as well as for false imprisonment.
1.40am BST
01:40
1.39am BST
01:39
1.33am BST
01:33
Updated
at 1.34am BST
1.29am BST
01:29
Labor’s energy and environment shadow Mark Butler points out that Labor has shifted significantly in the past two weeks in an effort to be helpful.
Only 10 days ago the market, the Climate Change Authority were commissioned to do a report from the government reaffirming an emissions intensity scheme was the best model, the model supported by CSIRO, by the Business Council and every energy group in the country.
We are willing to put that aside and consider what everyone has described as a second-best model, the clean-energy model. If that’s the price of bringing in investment and getting a policy, we have said we will sit down and do that but it has to be a clean energy bill.
You can’t rig the definition to include new coal fired power stations. It’s like trying to pretend day is night.
Updated
at 1.44am BST
1.17am BST
01:17
Bill Shorten says Labor would not automatically put the Finkel recommendations in the bin.
What we are offering Mr Turnbull is we’re not pushing down a series of demands, you must do this, you must do that, we’re trying to do the best we can and we need the government to tell us what they think and come up with a proposition. Are they going to make a clean energy target? We aren’t trying to make Malcolm Turnbull’s life harder.
*Live blogger falls off chair*
1.12am BST1.12am BST
01:1201:12
Clean energy target with all forms of coal is a con, says ShortenClean energy target with all forms of coal is a con, says Shorten
Bill Shorten says a clean energy target needs to be fair dinkum, when asked if Labor would support clean coal in any target.Bill Shorten says a clean energy target needs to be fair dinkum, when asked if Labor would support clean coal in any target.
Coal is part of our current energy mix and it will be in the future but if we going to have a discussion about clean energy, the proposition that includes all forms of coal is just a con.Coal is part of our current energy mix and it will be in the future but if we going to have a discussion about clean energy, the proposition that includes all forms of coal is just a con.
1.09am BST1.09am BST
01:0901:09
Bill Shorten is speaking off-site about climate policy.Bill Shorten is speaking off-site about climate policy.
We like an emissions-intensity scheme. We think that is the best way to help drive more jobs and renewables, downward pressure on energy and electricity prices and of course tackle climate change.We like an emissions-intensity scheme. We think that is the best way to help drive more jobs and renewables, downward pressure on energy and electricity prices and of course tackle climate change.
But the Finkel report has proposed a clean energy target. We are prepared to give it full and fair consideration and analysis. A coalition of business, Acoss [Australian Council of Social Services], environmental groups, the unions, have all asked the parliament of Australia to give fair and full consideration to a clean energy target and examine if it can work.But the Finkel report has proposed a clean energy target. We are prepared to give it full and fair consideration and analysis. A coalition of business, Acoss [Australian Council of Social Services], environmental groups, the unions, have all asked the parliament of Australia to give fair and full consideration to a clean energy target and examine if it can work.
Labor is prepared to work in the national interest. The climate change wars of the last 10 years have got to end. We need to have certainty about our energy policy and our climate policy.Labor is prepared to work in the national interest. The climate change wars of the last 10 years have got to end. We need to have certainty about our energy policy and our climate policy.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.12am BSTat 1.12am BST
1.05am BST1.05am BST
01:0501:05
Backroom bipartisanship.Backroom bipartisanship.
1.02am BST1.02am BST
01:0201:02
12.58am BST12.58am BST
00:5800:58
Labor intelligence and security committee deputy calls for Chinese donation inquiryLabor intelligence and security committee deputy calls for Chinese donation inquiry
The allegations over Chinese linked donations continue as Fairfax’s Nick McKenzie et al report:The allegations over Chinese linked donations continue as Fairfax’s Nick McKenzie et al report:
Labor is reeling after an adviser resigned amid revelations that the party bankrolled its 2016 federal election campaign with the help of up to $140,000 in donations from gold dealers linked to a multimillion-dollar tax scam.Labor is reeling after an adviser resigned amid revelations that the party bankrolled its 2016 federal election campaign with the help of up to $140,000 in donations from gold dealers linked to a multimillion-dollar tax scam.
The resignation from NSW Labor of rising star, 2016 Senate candidate and gold trader Simon Zhou, comes as respected ALP MP Anthony Byrne called for a full parliamentary inquiry into foreign interference and donations, with public hearings by the joint parliamentary intelligence committee, of which he is deputy chair.The resignation from NSW Labor of rising star, 2016 Senate candidate and gold trader Simon Zhou, comes as respected ALP MP Anthony Byrne called for a full parliamentary inquiry into foreign interference and donations, with public hearings by the joint parliamentary intelligence committee, of which he is deputy chair.
Byrne is not prone to outbursts so this is quite significant for him to call for public hearings.Byrne is not prone to outbursts so this is quite significant for him to call for public hearings.
He told the ABC’s Chris Uhlmann that it was critical to address the issues at the heart of these ongoing stories in a public inquiry.He told the ABC’s Chris Uhlmann that it was critical to address the issues at the heart of these ongoing stories in a public inquiry.
We must expose what has been happening in the political system for more than 10 years. Our laws have let foreign state actors into our country to subvert our political process.We must expose what has been happening in the political system for more than 10 years. Our laws have let foreign state actors into our country to subvert our political process.
12.47am BST12.47am BST
00:4700:47
First up in the house, Barnaby Joyce is introducing the bill to establish a Regional Investment Corporation – otherwise known as the Barnaby Bank. There is a flock of National party MPs around him.First up in the house, Barnaby Joyce is introducing the bill to establish a Regional Investment Corporation – otherwise known as the Barnaby Bank. There is a flock of National party MPs around him.
It aggregates government agriculture concessional loans into one bucket.It aggregates government agriculture concessional loans into one bucket.
According to his office:According to his office:
The RIC will administer the government’s $2bn farm business concessional loans and $2bn water infrastructure loans. The RIC will deliver a streamlined and nationally consistent application process for farm business concessional loans, with flexibility to act swiftly to respond when hardships like drought or an industry crisis hit.The RIC will administer the government’s $2bn farm business concessional loans and $2bn water infrastructure loans. The RIC will deliver a streamlined and nationally consistent application process for farm business concessional loans, with flexibility to act swiftly to respond when hardships like drought or an industry crisis hit.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.50am BSTat 12.50am BST
12.37am BST12.37am BST
00:3700:37
Meanwhile, Katharine Murphy reports on the latest Guardian Essential poll.Meanwhile, Katharine Murphy reports on the latest Guardian Essential poll.
These are the two key points:These are the two key points:
Australian voters would back a new low-emissions target over emissions trading as a policy to reduce carbon pollution, but are not sure about including “clean” coal in the mix, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll.Australian voters would back a new low-emissions target over emissions trading as a policy to reduce carbon pollution, but are not sure about including “clean” coal in the mix, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll.
74% of the sample said the threat level in Australia had increased over the past few years, and 46% believe the Turnbull government should be spending more on counter-terrorism measures.74% of the sample said the threat level in Australia had increased over the past few years, and 46% believe the Turnbull government should be spending more on counter-terrorism measures.
The main two-party-preferred measures:The main two-party-preferred measures:
Labor is still ahead of the Coalition: 52% to 48%.Labor is still ahead of the Coalition: 52% to 48%.
The gap between the major parties narrowed in the month following the May budget, but within the poll’s margin of error, which is 3%. This week’s two-party-preferred result was the same as last week.The gap between the major parties narrowed in the month following the May budget, but within the poll’s margin of error, which is 3%. This week’s two-party-preferred result was the same as last week.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.40am BSTat 12.40am BST
12.22am BST12.22am BST
00:2200:22
Finkel farnarkling 3: pissant lists and leakersFinkel farnarkling 3: pissant lists and leakers
There has been a list circulating in the press gallery leaked from the meeting purporting to show who spoke against the Finkel review.There has been a list circulating in the press gallery leaked from the meeting purporting to show who spoke against the Finkel review.
According to that list, those against included:According to that list, those against included:
Tony AbbottTony Abbott
Rick WilsonRick Wilson
Chris backChris back
Ken O’DowdKen O’Dowd
Kevin HoganKevin Hogan
Bridget McKenzieBridget McKenzie
Rowan RamseyRowan Ramsey
Andrew HastieAndrew Hastie
Ian MacdonaldIan Macdonald
Ben MortonBen Morton
Tony PasinTony Pasin
Russell BroadbentRussell Broadbent
Craig KellyCraig Kelly
Angus TaylorAngus Taylor
Andrew GeeAndrew Gee
Tim WilsonTim Wilson
Mark CoultonMark Coulton
Andrew BroadAndrew Broad
Damien DrumDamien Drum
Kevin AndrewsKevin Andrews
George ChristensenGeorge Christensen
The list immediately rang alarm bells with me as some of those people were much more nuanced in their approach, according to their own words, and were not opposed per se. For example, the Nationals MP for Mallee, Andrew Broad, has been working hard with Labor’s Pat Conroy to find common ground on energy policy though the house multiparty committee on energy and the environment. He told me last night on the record there were a lot of good things in the Finkel review and the status quo on energy would not cut it. So someone has claimed him without much thought.The list immediately rang alarm bells with me as some of those people were much more nuanced in their approach, according to their own words, and were not opposed per se. For example, the Nationals MP for Mallee, Andrew Broad, has been working hard with Labor’s Pat Conroy to find common ground on energy policy though the house multiparty committee on energy and the environment. He told me last night on the record there were a lot of good things in the Finkel review and the status quo on energy would not cut it. So someone has claimed him without much thought.
Mark Coulton, National MP for Parkes, was more direct this morning. He described the leaker as a pissant and underlined Finkel is a report and not government policy.Mark Coulton, National MP for Parkes, was more direct this morning. He described the leaker as a pissant and underlined Finkel is a report and not government policy.
Some, well, I was going to say pissant, but that is probably politically incorrect, has leaked from a confidential meeting ...Some, well, I was going to say pissant, but that is probably politically incorrect, has leaked from a confidential meeting ...
I belong to a party where we discuss these things. We don’t drink the Kool-Aid and blindly follow on championing some sort of mantra. I thought yesterday’s discussion was very responsible.I belong to a party where we discuss these things. We don’t drink the Kool-Aid and blindly follow on championing some sort of mantra. I thought yesterday’s discussion was very responsible.
To read my name on a list as some form of climate change denier when I consider I represent one of the most climate-aware electorates in Australia I find offensive.To read my name on a list as some form of climate change denier when I consider I represent one of the most climate-aware electorates in Australia I find offensive.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.34am BSTat 12.34am BST
12.05am BST12.05am BST
00:0500:05
The first order of the day in the Senate is the native title legislation on the Indigenous land use agreements. This is the legislation which the government says is designed to fix agreements between traditional owners and mining companies, including the Adani agreement. But a number of traditional owners have been speaking out against the bill over the past 24 hours.The first order of the day in the Senate is the native title legislation on the Indigenous land use agreements. This is the legislation which the government says is designed to fix agreements between traditional owners and mining companies, including the Adani agreement. But a number of traditional owners have been speaking out against the bill over the past 24 hours.
That bill will be debated most of the morning and may come to a vote before question time.That bill will be debated most of the morning and may come to a vote before question time.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.19am BSTat 12.19am BST
11.37pm BST11.37pm BST
23:3723:37
Finkel farnarkling 2: mature responsible discussionFinkel farnarkling 2: mature responsible discussion
Good morning, blogans,Good morning, blogans,
This morning, 10 years of divisive climate politics is coming home to haunt the Coalition. On it goes, through John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Malcolm Turnbull 1.0, Tony Abbott, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull 2.0.This morning, 10 years of divisive climate politics is coming home to haunt the Coalition. On it goes, through John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Malcolm Turnbull 1.0, Tony Abbott, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull 2.0.
Australia desperately needs a stable energy policy FOUR YEARS AFTER THE COALITION DISMANTLED THE CARBON PRICE.Australia desperately needs a stable energy policy FOUR YEARS AFTER THE COALITION DISMANTLED THE CARBON PRICE.
The chief scientist, Alan Finkel, has provided an acceptable path forward but the argument continued in the Coalition party room last night.The chief scientist, Alan Finkel, has provided an acceptable path forward but the argument continued in the Coalition party room last night.
The meeting, let’s be clear, was a presentation of the Finkel report followed by thoughts and feelings about Finkel’s findings. It was not expected to land on a solution but give a chance to vent.The meeting, let’s be clear, was a presentation of the Finkel report followed by thoughts and feelings about Finkel’s findings. It was not expected to land on a solution but give a chance to vent.
At the end, the only thing there seems to be consensus on is that something needs to be done.At the end, the only thing there seems to be consensus on is that something needs to be done.
The senior ranks of the government appear to be on the same page at this stage (all things liable to change without notice). The talking points are:The senior ranks of the government appear to be on the same page at this stage (all things liable to change without notice). The talking points are:
the Finkel review only landed on Fridaythe Finkel review only landed on Friday
this is a mature and responsible discussionthis is a mature and responsible discussion
we need to move to a new model to provide investor certaintywe need to move to a new model to provide investor certainty
But like an old rockstar, Tony Abbott was returning to his greatest hits. Coal is good for humanity. His interventions were consistent. At one point he asked whether the government could buy the closed Hazelwood power station to which the energy and environment minister, Josh Frydenberg, said it was being dismantled “as we speak”.But like an old rockstar, Tony Abbott was returning to his greatest hits. Coal is good for humanity. His interventions were consistent. At one point he asked whether the government could buy the closed Hazelwood power station to which the energy and environment minister, Josh Frydenberg, said it was being dismantled “as we speak”.
Among Abbott’s like-minded MPs, there was some appetite for somehow supporting new coal power but Frydenberg said it would take years to build.Among Abbott’s like-minded MPs, there was some appetite for somehow supporting new coal power but Frydenberg said it would take years to build.
Abbott finally had a set to with a Turnbull supporter Craig Laundy, over his constant interventions.Abbott finally had a set to with a Turnbull supporter Craig Laundy, over his constant interventions.
David Crowe of the Oz reports:David Crowe of the Oz reports:
Tony Abbott interjected so often throughout the meeting that Craig Laundy, a frontbench ally of Malcolm Turnbull, called the former prime minister out and asked that he show respect to those who wanted to speak.Tony Abbott interjected so often throughout the meeting that Craig Laundy, a frontbench ally of Malcolm Turnbull, called the former prime minister out and asked that he show respect to those who wanted to speak.
The finance minister, Mathias Cormann, was hosing down reports this morning.The finance minister, Mathias Cormann, was hosing down reports this morning.
I don’t go into the specifics of party-room meetings but what I would say, I was in the meeting in the morning and I was in the meeting in the afternoon, it was a very good discussion, it was courteous and professional discussion.I don’t go into the specifics of party-room meetings but what I would say, I was in the meeting in the morning and I was in the meeting in the afternoon, it was a very good discussion, it was courteous and professional discussion.
The treasurer, Scott Morrison, also had his fire hose out. He told the ABC that the Finkel review had done a good job in identifying the problem that we don’t have investor certainty in energy.The treasurer, Scott Morrison, also had his fire hose out. He told the ABC that the Finkel review had done a good job in identifying the problem that we don’t have investor certainty in energy.
He said as treasurer it was important for the economy and he asked for patience, given that the report only dropped on Friday.He said as treasurer it was important for the economy and he asked for patience, given that the report only dropped on Friday.
It has frankly vexed governments for a decade so we are not going to have a solution nicely tied up in a bow and presented to the media, Morrison said.It has frankly vexed governments for a decade so we are not going to have a solution nicely tied up in a bow and presented to the media, Morrison said.
Finally, Morrison was asked if the clean energy target threshold would be high enough to include so-called “clean” coal in the incentive scheme.Finally, Morrison was asked if the clean energy target threshold would be high enough to include so-called “clean” coal in the incentive scheme.
I believe that will be achieved.I believe that will be achieved.
But Bill Shorten was making hay while the sun doesn’t shine.But Bill Shorten was making hay while the sun doesn’t shine.
Mr Turnbull has been weakened and Australians are the losers. He needs to stand up to Tony Abbott.Mr Turnbull has been weakened and Australians are the losers. He needs to stand up to Tony Abbott.
Stay with me, talk to me in the thread, on the Twits @gabriellechan and Facebook. As you can see from the main pic, Mike Bowers has been swimming through the pea soup fog to bring you the vibe in parliament. Onwards and upwards.Stay with me, talk to me in the thread, on the Twits @gabriellechan and Facebook. As you can see from the main pic, Mike Bowers has been swimming through the pea soup fog to bring you the vibe in parliament. Onwards and upwards.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.54pm BSTat 11.54pm BST