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Federal budget and dual citizenship: four MPs quit after high court ruling – politics live Federal budget and dual citizenship: four MPs quit after high court ruling – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
Now that the gremlins have been tamed, we’re going to wrap up the blog for tonight - because we have another big day ahead of us tomorrow.
That’s right, it is budget reply day, where Bill Shorten will lay out Labor’s economic plan. That will happen later in the evening, and then he’ll head to 7.30.
We’ll be back with that, and everything else that happens tomorrow bright and early, so make sure you get your rest.
For anyone who missed it, we are heading to a super Saturday of byelections, probably on 16 June, where Labor will fight to keep Perth, Fremantle,(where the Greens may pose a threat) Braddon and Longman (which will be the big contest) and the Liberals will attempt to wrestle Mayo from Centre Alliance. The campaigning has begun.
The budget seems like it was delivered a lifetime ago.
No doubt we will be back on it tomorrow though. Won’t that be exciting? I know I can’t wait.
A big thank you to Mike Bowers, for dragging my carcass through the day, and to the Guardian brains trust.
As always, a big thank you to you for reading, and for sticking through our technical difficulties. I am not kidding when I say we called the UK office to fix it.
Have a wonderful night, rest up - and take care of you.
Malcolm Turnbull is explaining to 2GB that the 200,000 migrant cap is a “ceiling, not a target”.
“We don’t take in anyone that we don’t need, or we don’t want,” he says.
That’s based on the budget line which showed there were no changes to the migration limit – despite people *cough Tony Abbott cough* agitating for it to be lower.
Pauline Hanson has already jumped on it, judging by her social media.
Now we are back, I can show you some more of what Mike Bowers was up to this afternoon:
From the citizenship press conferences:
Malcolm Turnbull says you can’t trust “Bill Shorten on citizenship and you can’t trust him with your money.”
Slow clap for whoever workshopped that segue.
Tim Storer is delivering his maiden speech to the Senate.
His entry into the Senate, as part of the section 44 merry-go-round, was a trial by fire, having dealt with the government’s company tax bill in the first two weeks he was in parliament – and then killing it off (for now).
He says everything he does is underscored by a foundation of integrity.
(from earlier, but it was deleted as part of the attempts to fix the blog)(from earlier, but it was deleted as part of the attempts to fix the blog)
The Greens, who are the only party who had MPs who resigned as soon as being made aware they were dual citizens, have weighed in on the latest round of section 44 resignations:Rebekha Sharkie and the three Labor MP’s who ceded to the high court have done the right thing by resigning.Had the Greens pushed for a full audit of Parliament taken on board months ago, we wouldn’t be in this mess today.How many more MPs will have to be crowbarred out of their positions – kicking and screaming for months – rather than doing the right thing.On a day when we should have been talking about how the budget impacts on Australians, politicians were talking about themselves.Today’s resignations will not be the end of this ongoing crisis: there are several Liberal MPs that still have a cloud over their heads, and Malcolm Turnbull now needs to do the right thing and refer them to the high court to put an end to this uncertainty. The only long-term solution is to abolish this outdated law through a referendum to make sure that Australians of all backgrounds can give back to their communities through parliamentary service.The Greens, who are the only party who had MPs who resigned as soon as being made aware they were dual citizens, have weighed in on the latest round of section 44 resignations:Rebekha Sharkie and the three Labor MP’s who ceded to the high court have done the right thing by resigning.Had the Greens pushed for a full audit of Parliament taken on board months ago, we wouldn’t be in this mess today.How many more MPs will have to be crowbarred out of their positions – kicking and screaming for months – rather than doing the right thing.On a day when we should have been talking about how the budget impacts on Australians, politicians were talking about themselves.Today’s resignations will not be the end of this ongoing crisis: there are several Liberal MPs that still have a cloud over their heads, and Malcolm Turnbull now needs to do the right thing and refer them to the high court to put an end to this uncertainty. The only long-term solution is to abolish this outdated law through a referendum to make sure that Australians of all backgrounds can give back to their communities through parliamentary service.
***end statement***
Tony Abbott rang in to deliver his regular 2GB nuggets of gold. He thinks the Liberals are a chance to win in Mayo.Tony Abbott rang in to deliver his regular 2GB nuggets of gold. He thinks the Liberals are a chance to win in Mayo.
Malcolm Turnbull will also speak to 2GB. He’s due to be on air any moment now.Malcolm Turnbull will also speak to 2GB. He’s due to be on air any moment now.
A big thank you to the boffins who just fought all of the gremlins, in mortal combat, to bring the blog back from the brink.A big thank you to the boffins who just fought all of the gremlins, in mortal combat, to bring the blog back from the brink.
Susan Lamb’s whole speech to the chamber:Susan Lamb’s whole speech to the chamber:
Speaker in February this year, I explained in detail to the Parliament – to the people of Australia, and of course the wonderful people in my electorate of Longman – the steps I took to renounce any entitlement to citizenship through decent that I may have held. Speaker in February this year, I explained in detail to the Parliament – to the people of Australia, and of course the wonderful people in my electorate of Longman – the steps I took to renounce any entitlement to citizenship that I may have held.
Speaker today a ruling made by the High Court of Australia has set a new precedent of course, giving a new interpretation on the ‘reasonable steps’ test which has been in place for more than two decades. Mr Speaker today a ruling made by the High Court of Australia has set a new precedent of course, giving a new interpretation on the “reasonable steps” test which has been in place for more than two decades.
Now in light of this judgement, I’ll be resigning as the Member for Longman and I will re-contest my seat in a by-election because, Speaker, I am not done yet. Now in light of this judgment, I’ll be resigning as the Member for Longman and I will re-contest my seat in a byelection because, Mr Speaker, I am not done yet.
I put my hand up to represent people who were just like me.I put my hand up to represent people who were just like me.
To represent the workers in Narangba who rely upon on a job. A good job, a secure job, a safe job with fair pay.To represent the workers in Narangba who rely upon on a job. A good job, a secure job, a safe job with fair pay.
I put my hand up to be a voice for parents in Morayfield with families who need schools that deliver an education that their children need.I put my hand up to be a voice for parents in Morayfield with families who need schools that deliver an education that their children need.
And of course to stand up for affordable and accessible health care that the good people on Bribie Island, and in fact every person in Australia, deserves.And of course to stand up for affordable and accessible health care that the good people on Bribie Island, and in fact every person in Australia, deserves.
After nearly two years of having the privilege of taking up this fight - I am not done. After nearly two years of having the privilege of taking up this fight – I am not done.
While there is $80 billion worth of taxpayers’ money still going to banks and big businesses instead of the pockets of people in Burpengary and Caboolture - I am not done.While there is $80 billion worth of taxpayers’ money still going to banks and big businesses instead of the pockets of people in Burpengary and Caboolture - I am not done.
And while there is still a housing crisis, elderly waiting for aged care packages, and an unreliable NBN connecting us with the rest of the world – I am not done.And while there is still a housing crisis, elderly waiting for aged care packages, and an unreliable NBN connecting us with the rest of the world – I am not done.
Because in Longman, we deserve a Government that’s fair, a Government that cares and just as I have done since the 2016 election and for many, many, many years before that, I will keep fighting because, Mr Speaker, I am not done. Because in Longman, we deserve a government that’s fair, a government that cares and just as I have done since the 2016 election and for many, many, many years before that, I will keep fighting because, Mr Speaker, I am not done.
Speaker this is not a valedictory speech, let me be very clear. I’m putting the Government on notice that, while ultimately the decision will be in the hands of the amazing people of Longman, I intend to be back. Speaker this is not a valedictory speech, let me be very clear. I’m putting the government on notice that, while ultimately the decision will be in the hands of the amazing people of Longman, I intend to be back.
The phone calls to electors in the Labor electorates heading to by-elections are due to begin in a couple of hours. The campaign has officially begun. The phone calls to electors in the Labor electorates heading to byelections are due to begin in a couple of hours. The campaign has officially begun.
No one is resigning, officially, until Friday though No one is resigning, officially, until Friday though.
The crew at Buzzfeed very kindly allowed me to spew out words in between blog posts for their Buzzfeed OzPol show - if you ever wanted to know what a slightly manic, two-hours sleep, over caffeinated Amy looked like, you are in for a treat. (spoiler: not great) The crew at Buzzfeed very kindly allowed me to spew out words in between blog posts for their Buzzfeed OzPol show – if you ever wanted to know what a slightly manic, two-hours’ sleep, over-caffeinated Amy looked like, you are in for a treat. (Spoiler: not great)
.@AmyRemeikis says the plan to put people on $41k & $200k on the same tax rate in seven year’s time is a batshit crazy idea. “I could say in seven years I’m going to be living in Beyoncé’s mansion!” #BFOzPol pic.twitter.com/dKNnKx6ox1.@AmyRemeikis says the plan to put people on $41k & $200k on the same tax rate in seven year’s time is a batshit crazy idea. “I could say in seven years I’m going to be living in Beyoncé’s mansion!” #BFOzPol pic.twitter.com/dKNnKx6ox1
After the day that has been, we all deserve a little treat.After the day that has been, we all deserve a little treat.
Today, I offer you this gem from the Chaser (thanks to Gareth Hutchens for the find) - which explains how Mark Latham was all a prank set up by the Chaser, which went terribly wrong. Watch out for the cameos, Ed Husic among them. Today, I offer you this gem from the Chaser (thanks to Gareth Hutchens for the find) – which explains how Mark Latham was all a prank set up by the Chaser, which went terribly wrong. Watch out for the cameos, Ed Husic among them.
Here is Justine Keay’s whole statement to the chamber:Here is Justine Keay’s whole statement to the chamber:
The greatest honour of my life was being elected as the member for Braddon in 2016.The greatest honour of my life was being elected as the member for Braddon in 2016.
In my first speech in this House, I said the people of West Coast and North West of Tasmania, and of course King Island, they’re a resilient lot. Ours is a community that genuinely cares for each other. We come together in challenging times, we’re generous of spirit, we’re always willing to pitch in and help one another.In my first speech in this House, I said the people of West Coast and North West of Tasmania, and of course King Island, they’re a resilient lot. Ours is a community that genuinely cares for each other. We come together in challenging times, we’re generous of spirit, we’re always willing to pitch in and help one another.
I chose to put up my hand up for my community because the need to stand up for workers, for pensioners and those trying to make ends meet, convinced me that they deserved a progressive voice in Canberra fighting for them.I chose to put up my hand up for my community because the need to stand up for workers, for pensioners and those trying to make ends meet, convinced me that they deserved a progressive voice in Canberra fighting for them.
I’m also here to give my kids, and kids right across my electorate, the decent, secure jobs they deserve in the beautiful part of Tassie they know and love.I’m also here to give my kids, and kids right across my electorate, the decent, secure jobs they deserve in the beautiful part of Tassie they know and love.
I want to make it very clear to every member of my community, and every member of this House, that I am not done working and fighting on behalf of those who sent me here.I want to make it very clear to every member of my community, and every member of this House, that I am not done working and fighting on behalf of those who sent me here.
This citizenship issue has been a difficult time for my family, friends, supporters and staff and of course, myself. It’s been a character building experience.This citizenship issue has been a difficult time for my family, friends, supporters and staff and of course, myself. It’s been a character building experience.
But I can hold my head high for being upfront and honest with my electorate. I have nothing to fear or hide, you just need to look at my disclosure for that. I’ve been criticised for being too honest. Bit of an oxymoron for a politician perhaps. People have commented that while I don’t have an allegiance to the United Kingdom, that perhaps I have an allegiance to my family. Well if they are my flaws, then so be it.But I can hold my head high for being upfront and honest with my electorate. I have nothing to fear or hide, you just need to look at my disclosure for that. I’ve been criticised for being too honest. Bit of an oxymoron for a politician perhaps. People have commented that while I don’t have an allegiance to the United Kingdom, that perhaps I have an allegiance to my family. Well if they are my flaws, then so be it.
I am a seventh generation Tasmanian. A town in the Huon Valley bears my mother’s family’s name. I am proud of my heritage from both my mother and father, as I would expect all Australians are proud of theirs.I am a seventh generation Tasmanian. A town in the Huon Valley bears my mother’s family’s name. I am proud of my heritage from both my mother and father, as I would expect all Australians are proud of theirs.
I’ve always been upfront about the fact that before nominating for Parliament I acted on the best available legal advice, which indicated that I had satisfied the eligibility requirements under the Constitution as they had been interpreted for 25 years.I’ve always been upfront about the fact that before nominating for Parliament I acted on the best available legal advice, which indicated that I had satisfied the eligibility requirements under the Constitution as they had been interpreted for 25 years.
Today, the High Court has set a new precedent. This is a new rule, and I respect this new rule without qualification.Today, the High Court has set a new precedent. This is a new rule, and I respect this new rule without qualification.
As a consequence of today’s decision, I will be resigning my seat as the Federal Member for Braddon. I will be writing to you, Mr Speaker to advise you of my resignation.As a consequence of today’s decision, I will be resigning my seat as the Federal Member for Braddon. I will be writing to you, Mr Speaker to advise you of my resignation.
I will nominate for preselection to contest the election in the seat of Braddon. The people in my community deserve a representative that cares about them, respects them and listens to them. This is what I have done and I will continue to do.I will nominate for preselection to contest the election in the seat of Braddon. The people in my community deserve a representative that cares about them, respects them and listens to them. This is what I have done and I will continue to do.
I am proud of the fact that one of the first things I was able to achieve after being elected was to successfully advocate on behalf of local farmers for an inquiry to get to the bottom of the floods that devastated the livelihoods and the lives of my local communities.I am proud of the fact that one of the first things I was able to achieve after being elected was to successfully advocate on behalf of local farmers for an inquiry to get to the bottom of the floods that devastated the livelihoods and the lives of my local communities.
I am proud of the fact my office has been able to assist hundreds if not thousands of people in Braddon.I am proud of the fact my office has been able to assist hundreds if not thousands of people in Braddon.
I am proud of the fact I have been the first Member of Parliament in my electorate in generations to take mobile offices to our outlying communities in the far North West and West Coasts.I am proud of the fact I have been the first Member of Parliament in my electorate in generations to take mobile offices to our outlying communities in the far North West and West Coasts.
I am proud of the fact I have been able to advocate on behalf of our local fishers, farmers, miners, foresters and industry and of course our pensioners and people who feel they don’t have a voice.I am proud of the fact I have been able to advocate on behalf of our local fishers, farmers, miners, foresters and industry and of course our pensioners and people who feel they don’t have a voice.
But I also know there is much more to be done.But I also know there is much more to be done.
The people of Braddon deserve a government that invests in them and puts them first. This is what a Shorten Government will do.The people of Braddon deserve a government that invests in them and puts them first. This is what a Shorten Government will do.
I have been privileged to have been given roles and responsibilities within the Shorten Opposition Caucus as Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources and Secretary of Labor’s Caucus on Australian Jobs Taskforce. I want to thank my caucus colleagues for their unwavering support and mentoring a united and awesome Labor team.I have been privileged to have been given roles and responsibilities within the Shorten Opposition Caucus as Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources and Secretary of Labor’s Caucus on Australian Jobs Taskforce. I want to thank my caucus colleagues for their unwavering support and mentoring a united and awesome Labor team.
I have been supported by a passionate labour movement in Tasmania, party members, union members and of course, my staff who go beyond what is required and to support me and to help the people of my electorate. This has been hard on them and on my family and has taken a personal toll on all of us.I have been supported by a passionate labour movement in Tasmania, party members, union members and of course, my staff who go beyond what is required and to support me and to help the people of my electorate. This has been hard on them and on my family and has taken a personal toll on all of us.
But we will keep fighting – this is bigger than us, it is about giving a voice to those who feel they don’t have one. It’s about helping people. That’s why I’m here. It’s about making our region, as wonderful as it is, better and better.But we will keep fighting – this is bigger than us, it is about giving a voice to those who feel they don’t have one. It’s about helping people. That’s why I’m here. It’s about making our region, as wonderful as it is, better and better.
Even the prime minister has given up on question time. It ends.Even the prime minister has given up on question time. It ends.
The Parliamentary Budget Office has released its budget snapshot.The Parliamentary Budget Office has released its budget snapshot.
For some facts and figures, head hereFor some facts and figures, head here
Chris Bowen to Scott Morrison:Chris Bowen to Scott Morrison:
How does the treasurer expect this Parliament to support policies when he doesn’t know or won’t say how much they cost?How does the treasurer expect this Parliament to support policies when he doesn’t know or won’t say how much they cost?
Morrison: IT IS $140 BILLION. GOSH! THE BUDGET IS AWESOMEMorrison: IT IS $140 BILLION. GOSH! THE BUDGET IS AWESOME
(I assume) He is yelling like he’s being swept up in a cyclone and there is a lot of pointing and fist-shaking and honestly, I am too tired to go through this for a millionth time today.(I assume) He is yelling like he’s being swept up in a cyclone and there is a lot of pointing and fist-shaking and honestly, I am too tired to go through this for a millionth time today.