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 9 Version 10
Malcolm Turnbull: ‘one-liners’ have not helped Australia’s energy security – question time live Malcolm Turnbull: ‘one-liners’ have not helped Australia’s energy security – question time live
(35 minutes later)
5.55am BST
05:55
Wow we are really digging in deeper to donations.
Labor to foreign minister Julie Bishop: I refer to reports the former Minister for Trade Andrew Robb began working for a Chinese company before the last election, apart-time position that earns him $880,000 a year. Has the Foreign Minister sought advice from the secretary of her department about whether Mr Robb breached the Prime Minister’s statement of ministerial standards which imposes restrictions on post ministerial employment and if not, why not?
Leader of the house Christopher Pyne objects as it is not in the foreign minister’s purview.
Labor’s Tony Burke argues the point.
First of all, in terms of the tenor of Question Time, I think it’s a bit late for the Leader of the house to get precious on a day like this.
Speaker Smith rules that the question is more rightly directed to the prime minister who is responsible for the ministerial code of conduct.
Ask him the question and you will be ok, Smith says not in so many words. But Labor loses the question.
5.50am BST
05:50
Labor to Peter Dutton: Can the minister please advise the House whether any Coalition MPs have made representations about immigration matters to the department, or the minister on behalf of the Liberal or National party donors? If so, will he advise the House which Coalition MPs have made these recommendations?
Dutton says presumably he is referring to reports about Sam Dastyari’s inquiries about citizenship for an Australian Chinese resident seeking citizenship. Dutton says MPs often make representations. No biggie.
If the honourable member has specific case, I am happy to investigate them ... but if he’s just attempting to throw mud, then I think he should look first to Senator Sam Dastyari in the Senate.
Updated
at 5.52am BST
5.44am BST
05:44
The art of war: Chinese donations and major political parties
The foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, answers a Dixer on Labor’s Chinese-linked donation, attacking Bill Shorten for not seeking a security briefing on revelations of close links between former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon.
Then Labor asks Julie bishop: What are the consequences for Australia standing on the world stage of one of the Liberal party’s biggest donors, mining magnate, establishing a company called Julie Bishop Glorious Foundation. (LAUGHTER) Does the minister seriously expect the house for a Liberal donor she knows, set up a company in the minister’s name, the Julie Bishop Glorious Foundation, but never raised it with her on the many occasions they met?
Bishop is visibly furious.
All donations to the Liberal party are declared in accordance with the [Australian Electoral Commission] obligations. (LAUGHTER) Mr Speaker, until the matter was raised with me by the media a week ago. I had never heard of such a foundation. (JEERS) I say that in the solemnity of this parliament. I had never heard of such a foundation. Third point, Mr Speaker, at no time have I ever compromised government policy in relation to foreign affairs.
(I will leave the Tveeder descriptors in capitals to give you a flavour of what the House sounds like at the minute.)
Updated
at 5.48am BST
5.33am BST
05:33
Labor to Turnbull: Is the prime minister aware that the finance minister told Fran Kelly, I quote, the price of electricity is projected to go up and up and up if we do nothing? And also he said, I quote again, “We need to embrace this blueprint that’s been put forward by Dr Finkel.” Does the prime minister agree if the energy policy paralysis continues, power price also continue to go up and up and up under this government?
Turnbull flicks the question to energy and environment minister Josh Frydenberg.
Frydenberg does not answer the question directly.
Updated
at 5.35am BST
5.31am BST
05:31
The immigration minister, Peter Dutton, gets a Dixer on boat policy and notes the court decision which the government settled on for damages for Manus detainees.
He mentions that the “ambulance-chasing” law firm Slater and Gordon – which has strong links to Labor – pocketed $20m in costs.
There is a little bit of objection from opposite because there are many of those who worked for Slater and Gordon and others, of course, who received benefits from Slater and Gordon. To this very day Slater and Gordon is a significant Labor party donor. I think it is worth noting as part of this discussion, because it is reality.
Updated
at 5.34am BST
5.26am BST
05:26
Indi independent Cathy McGowan to Malcolm Turnbull: Australian Textile Mills is facing a 141% increase in energy costs and the timber manufacture D&R Henderson tells me they will pay $1m more for electricity in 2017 than last year. There are over 20,000 people in Indi employed in manufacturing sector and the loss of these jobs is a real threat. Industry is willing the parliament to get on with good policy, combining affordability and sustainability. And while the Finkel review provides an opportunity to deliver long-term energy security, what practical steps will the government take to address the immediate impacts of ballooning energy costs and the demand for renewables, particularly in my electorate of Indi?
Turnbull again says the electricity price increase is a result of a shortage of gas and he again blamed Labor for supply problems, both through state moratoriums and allowing export of gas through Queensland.
Updated
at 5.29am BST
5.22am BST5.22am BST
05:2205:22
Shorten to Turnbull: As the Prime Minister knows, wholesale electricity priceshave doubled under the Liberal government. The Australian Energy Council has said, I quote, “The lack of national policy certainty is now the biggest driver of higher electricity prices. Does the Prime Minister agree and will the government commit to working with Labor to end four years of policy paralysis under this government, which has led to higher prices and instability in the energy market? Shorten to Turnbull: “As the prime minister knows, wholesale electricity prices have doubled under the Liberal government. The Australian Energy Council has said, I quote, “The lack of national policy certainty is now the biggest driver of higher electricity prices. Does the prime minister agree and will the government commit to working with Labor to end four years of policy paralysis under this government, which has led to higher prices and instability in the energy market?”
Turnbull says the high electricity prices are all the fault of state Labor governments because of lack of gas exploration.Turnbull says the high electricity prices are all the fault of state Labor governments because of lack of gas exploration.
Updated
at 5.24am BST
5.14am BST5.14am BST
05:1405:14
Jenny Macklin to social services minister Christian Porter: On 1 July, AGL electricity prices in NSW will go up by 16%. With power going up, why is the prime minister cutting the $365-a-year energy supplement for pensioners, a cut that will make it harder for pensioners to stay warm in the wintertime?Jenny Macklin to social services minister Christian Porter: On 1 July, AGL electricity prices in NSW will go up by 16%. With power going up, why is the prime minister cutting the $365-a-year energy supplement for pensioners, a cut that will make it harder for pensioners to stay warm in the wintertime?
Porter:Porter:
It was meant to compensate for tax that didn’t go ahead. What the member fails to tell the House is that the savings that are achieved from that measure, the Labor party has banked and spent.It was meant to compensate for tax that didn’t go ahead. What the member fails to tell the House is that the savings that are achieved from that measure, the Labor party has banked and spent.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.16am BSTat 5.16am BST
5.10am BST5.10am BST
05:1005:10
The first Dixer is on the NDIS. AKA practical love, as Turnbull says.The first Dixer is on the NDIS. AKA practical love, as Turnbull says.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.13am BSTat 5.13am BST
5.07am BST5.07am BST
05:0705:07
Pass the bill, or the Ten puppy gets itPass the bill, or the Ten puppy gets it
Katharine MurphyKatharine Murphy
The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, has addressed reporters about the travails of the Ten Network.The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, has addressed reporters about the travails of the Ten Network.
The minister says the government will bring forward its media reform package tomorrow and he would like colleagues in the Senate to pass the legislation. Otherwise poor old Ten might go under. Hint, hint.The minister says the government will bring forward its media reform package tomorrow and he would like colleagues in the Senate to pass the legislation. Otherwise poor old Ten might go under. Hint, hint.
The minister is asked whether it is a coincidence that Ten has turned the volume up to 11 on its long-standing commercial woes on the day before the government brings forward legislation that will allow proprietors to own TV, radio and newspaper assets in a single market – the thing Ten really wants to happen?The minister is asked whether it is a coincidence that Ten has turned the volume up to 11 on its long-standing commercial woes on the day before the government brings forward legislation that will allow proprietors to own TV, radio and newspaper assets in a single market – the thing Ten really wants to happen?
The minister thinks he’s just moving forward, in a calm and methodical fashion. Pauline willing.The minister thinks he’s just moving forward, in a calm and methodical fashion. Pauline willing.
Because Pauline (Hanson) ... (is there another Pauline?) holds the key to whether the package passes or doesn’t. Thus far, One Nation has not been prepared to dump the two out of three rule. They’ve been quite firm on this question. But in this building of course, it’s all things liable to change without notice.Because Pauline (Hanson) ... (is there another Pauline?) holds the key to whether the package passes or doesn’t. Thus far, One Nation has not been prepared to dump the two out of three rule. They’ve been quite firm on this question. But in this building of course, it’s all things liable to change without notice.
Fifield was asked whether he might countenance cutting funding to the ABC to court One Nation’s support. He said the funding for the ABC is determined every three years, and the immediate funding arrangements are in place.Fifield was asked whether he might countenance cutting funding to the ABC to court One Nation’s support. He said the funding for the ABC is determined every three years, and the immediate funding arrangements are in place.
It will be interesting to watch how this particular wave breaks. Watch this space.It will be interesting to watch how this particular wave breaks. Watch this space.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.10am BSTat 5.10am BST
5.06am BST5.06am BST
05:0605:06
Shorten to Turnbull: Will the prime minister now commit to work with Labor in the national interest to end the policy paralysis which led to high other electricity prices and instability in the energy market?Shorten to Turnbull: Will the prime minister now commit to work with Labor in the national interest to end the policy paralysis which led to high other electricity prices and instability in the energy market?
Turnbull describes the question as a phony act of insincerity.Turnbull describes the question as a phony act of insincerity.
The Labor party has always made it their case that they prefer to put a tax on carbon. That has always been their preferred position. That’s been their position federally.The Labor party has always made it their case that they prefer to put a tax on carbon. That has always been their preferred position. That’s been their position federally.
Jeez.Jeez.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.08am BSTat 5.08am BST
4.58am BST4.58am BST
04:5804:58
Question time coming up.Question time coming up.
4.58am BST4.58am BST
04:5804:58
Our environment reporter Mikey Slezak has taken a look at some of the claims in the Coalition party room about Finkel, including:Our environment reporter Mikey Slezak has taken a look at some of the claims in the Coalition party room about Finkel, including:
‘Emissions-lowering policy will push up power prices’‘Emissions-lowering policy will push up power prices’
‘We should delay action on climate change because it will be cheaper in the future’‘We should delay action on climate change because it will be cheaper in the future’
‘Coal energy is cheapest’‘Coal energy is cheapest’
4.29am BST4.29am BST
04:2904:29
Lunchtime politicsLunchtime politics
Malcolm Turnbull has declared that one liners and glib leadership will not solve Australia’s energy problems, (looking in the direction of a former prime minister).Malcolm Turnbull has declared that one liners and glib leadership will not solve Australia’s energy problems, (looking in the direction of a former prime minister).
His comments come after a very open and divided debate on energy policy in response to the Finkel report.His comments come after a very open and divided debate on energy policy in response to the Finkel report.
The deputy chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security, Labor’s Anthony Byrne has backed a inquiry into foreign influence and donations in the wake of ABC/Fairfax investigations. Fellow Labor guy Ed Husic has also backed the inquiry. Bill Shorten called for a bipartisan reference to PCJIS last week. (Amended)The deputy chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security, Labor’s Anthony Byrne has backed a inquiry into foreign influence and donations in the wake of ABC/Fairfax investigations. Fellow Labor guy Ed Husic has also backed the inquiry. Bill Shorten called for a bipartisan reference to PCJIS last week. (Amended)
The government has settled a claim by Manus detainees for $90m for alleged psychological and physical injuries as well as false imprisonment. But the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, said “settlement is not an admission of liability in any regard”.The government has settled a claim by Manus detainees for $90m for alleged psychological and physical injuries as well as false imprisonment. But the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, said “settlement is not an admission of liability in any regard”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.48am BSTat 4.48am BST
4.07am BST4.07am BST
04:0704:07
Question to Turnbull: What might happen this time if you miss the opportunity again because either on the left or on the right, in compromise is possible? What will happen to the energy system, the electricity system? And what will happen to the economy?Question to Turnbull: What might happen this time if you miss the opportunity again because either on the left or on the right, in compromise is possible? What will happen to the energy system, the electricity system? And what will happen to the economy?
I’m not interested in speculating about lack of success. Our job as a government is to deliver and to lead and I have provided decisive leadership on energy.I’m not interested in speculating about lack of success. Our job as a government is to deliver and to lead and I have provided decisive leadership on energy.
4.05am BST4.05am BST
04:0504:05
Malcolm Turnbull: Australians need wise leadership, not glib leadershipMalcolm Turnbull: Australians need wise leadership, not glib leadership
Malcolm Turnbull addresses the Finkel Farnarkling.Malcolm Turnbull addresses the Finkel Farnarkling.
He says the chief scientist’s report to all governments is good.He says the chief scientist’s report to all governments is good.
We are in the process of considering it.We are in the process of considering it.
Business as usual is no good for investment.Business as usual is no good for investment.
Turnbull refuses to give a timeframe for policy which has got to get through the Council of Australian Governments.Turnbull refuses to give a timeframe for policy which has got to get through the Council of Australian Governments.
The aim is to get it right. Let me tell you, glib answers and one-liners have been of no assistance in keeping Australians energy secure and affordable. What Australians need is wise leadership, not glib leadership.The aim is to get it right. Let me tell you, glib answers and one-liners have been of no assistance in keeping Australians energy secure and affordable. What Australians need is wise leadership, not glib leadership.
What Australians need is economics and engineering, not ideological and politics. All that has done is drive electricity prices up and put reliability at risk.What Australians need is economics and engineering, not ideological and politics. All that has done is drive electricity prices up and put reliability at risk.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.10am BSTat 4.10am BST
3.59am BST3.59am BST
03:5903:59
Malcolm Turnbull says the logic applied by Julia Gillard and Bill Shorten in 2012 should apply today.Malcolm Turnbull says the logic applied by Julia Gillard and Bill Shorten in 2012 should apply today.
We know that a majority of his shadow cabinet support it. And he should, too.We know that a majority of his shadow cabinet support it. And he should, too.
Scott Morrison is asked if he took up the Labor party proposal and to allow the tax increase to hit those over $87,000 a year, how much of the $8bn in revenue would you lose?Scott Morrison is asked if he took up the Labor party proposal and to allow the tax increase to hit those over $87,000 a year, how much of the $8bn in revenue would you lose?
The answer to your question is, there’s a $55.7bn hole.The answer to your question is, there’s a $55.7bn hole.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.05am BSTat 4.05am BST
3.51am BST3.51am BST
03:5103:51
Malcolm Turnbull has former Labor NSW general secretary, former Labor minister John Della Bosca (now disability advocate) to urge parliament to support the increase to the Medicare levy for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.Malcolm Turnbull has former Labor NSW general secretary, former Labor minister John Della Bosca (now disability advocate) to urge parliament to support the increase to the Medicare levy for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Della Bosca:Della Bosca:
We need to lock in the funding for the NDIS into the future. We can’t leave it to the whim of one parliament or another, one budget or another. No disrespect intended – one treasurer or another. It needs to be something that one government, this government, has said they’re prepared to. They’ve got in the budget to lock in the funding increase and keep it there so no future government can change those priorities and harm the NDIA’s [sic] mission.We need to lock in the funding for the NDIS into the future. We can’t leave it to the whim of one parliament or another, one budget or another. No disrespect intended – one treasurer or another. It needs to be something that one government, this government, has said they’re prepared to. They’ve got in the budget to lock in the funding increase and keep it there so no future government can change those priorities and harm the NDIA’s [sic] mission.
The social services minister, Christian Porter, is there, as is treasurer Scott Morrison. Both have spoken about the funding.The social services minister, Christian Porter, is there, as is treasurer Scott Morrison. Both have spoken about the funding.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.53am BSTat 3.53am BST
3.46am BST3.46am BST
03:4603:46
Immigration minister Peter Dutton has put out a statement on the Manus settlement.Immigration minister Peter Dutton has put out a statement on the Manus settlement.
He says it is $90m.He says it is $90m.
The settlement provides $70m for the plaintiffs while No Win-No-Fee law firm Slater and Gordon will pocket an estimated $20m in costs.The settlement provides $70m for the plaintiffs while No Win-No-Fee law firm Slater and Gordon will pocket an estimated $20m in costs.