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Turnbull government loses 34th consecutive Newspoll – politics live Turnbull government loses 34th consecutive Newspoll – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Independent senator Tim Storer confirms again he wants the tax bill split, but also won’t be horse trading.
This is now officially in the Hansard:
"If men bled every month - do you think the GST would be added to sanitary products?" @janet_rice tells the Senate.
Fraser Anning has advised the Senate he has joined Katter’s Australian Party.
Brian Burston says he will be sitting as an independent Senator. He also wants to be a whip.
Cory Bernardi is sitting behind him and looks like he is having the time of his life. He’s watching the proceedings like he’s just seen Clueless for the first time.
For those attempting to keep up with the Senate, my wonderful colleague Nick Evershed has created this, which is much more fancy than the blackboard I have to keep updating in the office.
Brian Burston will probably make a statement to the Senate about his switched allegiances.
I think we can all agree the real tragedy here is that Pauline Hanson will no longer have anyone to wear a NSW jersey to set off her Maroons jersey for State of Origin photo stunts anymore.
David Smith is being sworn into the Senate, as a replacement for Katy Gallagher.
Gallagher, of course, announced last week that she would be running for the Senate again. Smith has indicated he wants to hold on to the seat.
Fun times ahead for the ACT Labor branch then.
Jordon Steele-John will be introducing a bill in the Senate to lower the voting age to 16:
If the Australian political establishment actually listened to young people and looked past the three-year election cycle then we would see real action on these issues, but instead they continue to lock us out. Young people care deeply about our future and the world around us and yet we rarely get a seat at the table in making those decisions.
Lowering the voting age to 16 also represents an exciting chance to reinvigorate the way we teach civics education by bringing democratic participation into the classroom in a tangible new way and helping young people to form good voting habits early from a sound understanding of our electoral processes, not just however their parents vote.
Sigh.
Palmer is planning to run a candidate in every lower house seat at next election. Brian Burston will be joining his UAP team @SkyNewsAust
I’ve been told Clive Palmer himself won’t be among those.
He might be too busy, given the court cases he also has to juggle at the moment.
Tony Abbott is speaking to Ray Hadley on 2GB. The presenter lines him up to smash Malcolm Turnbull by pointing out that the prime minister has now beaten Julia Gillard’s record of most consecutive Newspoll losses (33).Tony Abbott is speaking to Ray Hadley on 2GB. The presenter lines him up to smash Malcolm Turnbull by pointing out that the prime minister has now beaten Julia Gillard’s record of most consecutive Newspoll losses (33).
Abbott has a chuckle and says this is why he never thought Newspoll should be “the be all and end all”.Abbott has a chuckle and says this is why he never thought Newspoll should be “the be all and end all”.
“But obviously, if you do lose two years of Newspoll, that does tell you something,” says the man who lost almost two years of Newspolls.“But obviously, if you do lose two years of Newspoll, that does tell you something,” says the man who lost almost two years of Newspolls.
“And what I think it tells us, as the government, is that we have to do something different.“And what I think it tells us, as the government, is that we have to do something different.
“And as I used to say in a different context, you don’t need to change the leader, but by God you need to change the policy.”“And as I used to say in a different context, you don’t need to change the leader, but by God you need to change the policy.”
This is why Abbott, who voluntarily signed Australia up for the Paris agreement, says he has been “banging the drum for a long time now” to get more coal-fired power into the system.This is why Abbott, who voluntarily signed Australia up for the Paris agreement, says he has been “banging the drum for a long time now” to get more coal-fired power into the system.
So the energy wars are going great in the party room then.So the energy wars are going great in the party room then.
While the Treasury analysis can be argued with both sides – one thing seems clear to me (and let’s be clear, I am not an economist): setting budget predictions out across 10 years seems bupkis for exactly the reason the analysis the government is spruiking sets out – behaviours change and you can’t necessarily always predict how.While the Treasury analysis can be argued with both sides – one thing seems clear to me (and let’s be clear, I am not an economist): setting budget predictions out across 10 years seems bupkis for exactly the reason the analysis the government is spruiking sets out – behaviours change and you can’t necessarily always predict how.
So setting a tax plan out across 10 years, based on assumptions of revenues and behaviours, might be a little unreliable – because of reasons we have just seen laid out by the government.So setting a tax plan out across 10 years, based on assumptions of revenues and behaviours, might be a little unreliable – because of reasons we have just seen laid out by the government.
There is nothing wrong with doing the analysis – but it just proves that wider point. (At least to me)There is nothing wrong with doing the analysis – but it just proves that wider point. (At least to me)
As one gallery wag just came in to tell me – the $10bn “blackhole” works out to be about 0.2% of total [estimated) government revenue over the next 10 years, or “a fiscal bees dick”As one gallery wag just came in to tell me – the $10bn “blackhole” works out to be about 0.2% of total [estimated) government revenue over the next 10 years, or “a fiscal bees dick”
The West Australian had an interesting story during the weekend, about a state byelection – which the state Labor government looks like winning despite, a) being the government and, b) causing the byelection after its MP turned out some batshit chicanery usually reserved for Queensland MPs:The West Australian had an interesting story during the weekend, about a state byelection – which the state Labor government looks like winning despite, a) being the government and, b) causing the byelection after its MP turned out some batshit chicanery usually reserved for Queensland MPs:
WA Labor is on track to retain the seat of Darling Range in next Saturday’s by-election despite the scandal surrounding disgraced former MP Barry Urban, with more than half of voters in the area saying the scandal would not affect their vote.WA Labor is on track to retain the seat of Darling Range in next Saturday’s by-election despite the scandal surrounding disgraced former MP Barry Urban, with more than half of voters in the area saying the scandal would not affect their vote.
In a boost for the state government, a ReachTel poll of more than 600 voters, commissioned by The Weekend West, found Labor’s Tania Lawrence is set to claim the seat with a two-party preferred vote of 54% to Liberal Alyssa Hayden’s 46% — a swing against the government since the election of less than 2%.In a boost for the state government, a ReachTel poll of more than 600 voters, commissioned by The Weekend West, found Labor’s Tania Lawrence is set to claim the seat with a two-party preferred vote of 54% to Liberal Alyssa Hayden’s 46% — a swing against the government since the election of less than 2%.
Primary support for Labor has fallen four points since last year’s state election, but an increase in the Liberal vote of less than one percentage point, to 31%, has cemented the party’s poor performance.Primary support for Labor has fallen four points since last year’s state election, but an increase in the Liberal vote of less than one percentage point, to 31%, has cemented the party’s poor performance.
Why is that important? Well, if Labor can win a byelection it sparked after its MP was alleged to have forged a university degree, among other things, while bucking history and doing it while in government, then that gives you a taste of just how on the nose the Liberals STILL are in Western Australia. You know, where Christian Porter, Andrew Hastie, Ken Wyatt and Steve Irons are all in danger of losing their seats at the next election.Why is that important? Well, if Labor can win a byelection it sparked after its MP was alleged to have forged a university degree, among other things, while bucking history and doing it while in government, then that gives you a taste of just how on the nose the Liberals STILL are in Western Australia. You know, where Christian Porter, Andrew Hastie, Ken Wyatt and Steve Irons are all in danger of losing their seats at the next election.
The Senate starts at 10– and a little bit later it will deal with the legislation which will stop political parties from being able to send communications out as if they were from a federal body.The Senate starts at 10– and a little bit later it will deal with the legislation which will stop political parties from being able to send communications out as if they were from a federal body.
That is known as the “Mediscare bill”.That is known as the “Mediscare bill”.
Angus Taylor was on Sky News and was asked about the author of the Treasury report:Angus Taylor was on Sky News and was asked about the author of the Treasury report:
The first point I would make is this is a very clear blackhole in Labor’s franking credit policy and more importantly, it is a blackhole in Bill Shorten’s economic leadership. It is very clear that when you look at the numbers – Labor has ignored the fact that people will adjust their behaviour.The first point I would make is this is a very clear blackhole in Labor’s franking credit policy and more importantly, it is a blackhole in Bill Shorten’s economic leadership. It is very clear that when you look at the numbers – Labor has ignored the fact that people will adjust their behaviour.
Who did the technical work probably doesn’t matter because at the end of the day, it was signed off by Treasury and it may make intuitive sense. If you have a policy where you ignore the fact that people are going to change their behaviour, then of course you are going to end up with a blackhole and that is exactly what is happening here.Who did the technical work probably doesn’t matter because at the end of the day, it was signed off by Treasury and it may make intuitive sense. If you have a policy where you ignore the fact that people are going to change their behaviour, then of course you are going to end up with a blackhole and that is exactly what is happening here.
The Australian has a story on Labor’s dividend imputation policy (the one which will scrap the franking credit refunds on super) based on a Treasury study, which it says shows a $10bn blackhole over the decade, raising $45.8bn instead of $55.7bn.The Australian has a story on Labor’s dividend imputation policy (the one which will scrap the franking credit refunds on super) based on a Treasury study, which it says shows a $10bn blackhole over the decade, raising $45.8bn instead of $55.7bn.
From the Australian:From the Australian:
The Treasury modelling, based on a two-month external review of the policy, revealed that the behavioural shift expected from the impact of the policy on investors and retirees would be $1bn less over the budget forward estimates than the opposition had banked on.The Treasury modelling, based on a two-month external review of the policy, revealed that the behavioural shift expected from the impact of the policy on investors and retirees would be $1bn less over the budget forward estimates than the opposition had banked on.
Labor has pointed out that the document was put together by a former staffer for Kelly O’Dwyer and Mitch Fifield, who was also a former vice-president of the Young Liberals.Labor has pointed out that the document was put together by a former staffer for Kelly O’Dwyer and Mitch Fifield, who was also a former vice-president of the Young Liberals.
Always de-identify your pdfs, kiddos.Always de-identify your pdfs, kiddos.
For anyone watching the outcome of the Labor presidency ballot – a result should be known by mid-morning.For anyone watching the outcome of the Labor presidency ballot – a result should be known by mid-morning.
On the last information (which was late last night) Wayne Swan was ahead – but they were yet to start counting the electronic votes.On the last information (which was late last night) Wayne Swan was ahead – but they were yet to start counting the electronic votes.
The Nationals also had their national conference at the weekend. Here’s a snapshot:The Nationals also had their national conference at the weekend. Here’s a snapshot:
I have to say, I love that everyone's response to this pic is pointing out the lack of women #auspol #NatConf18 https://t.co/wKwrUEdykcI have to say, I love that everyone's response to this pic is pointing out the lack of women #auspol #NatConf18 https://t.co/wKwrUEdykc
Scott Morrison was on Radio National this morning – this is what he had to say when asked if he thought the ABC was impartial:Scott Morrison was on Radio National this morning – this is what he had to say when asked if he thought the ABC was impartial:
That’s the ABC’s job. It is not for me to defend the ABC or promote the ABC: I fund the ABC and I think there are concerns out there in the Australian public. I think it is for the ABC to demonstrate to the Australian people that they are not doing that. I’m not saying they are. I don’t think you are and I don’t think you do on this program. I think this program is a good example of unbiased nature of the ABC.That’s the ABC’s job. It is not for me to defend the ABC or promote the ABC: I fund the ABC and I think there are concerns out there in the Australian public. I think it is for the ABC to demonstrate to the Australian people that they are not doing that. I’m not saying they are. I don’t think you are and I don’t think you do on this program. I think this program is a good example of unbiased nature of the ABC.
It never seems to be the program they are on that is the problem. Worth noting though that Mitch Fifield has made six complaints to the ABC in about six months.It never seems to be the program they are on that is the problem. Worth noting though that Mitch Fifield has made six complaints to the ABC in about six months.
Just on the tampon tax, here is what Tanya Plibersek had to say about it last night:Just on the tampon tax, here is what Tanya Plibersek had to say about it last night:
If the Liberals actually care about a fairer tax system, they should vote with Labor and others in the Senate today to abolish the tampon tax.If the Liberals actually care about a fairer tax system, they should vote with Labor and others in the Senate today to abolish the tampon tax.
It’s time this arrogant and out-of-touch prime minister gave women a tax cut, instead of his mates at the big banks.It’s time this arrogant and out-of-touch prime minister gave women a tax cut, instead of his mates at the big banks.
The Liberals talk about doing more for women, but never do – today Malcolm Turnbull has a chance to change that.The Liberals talk about doing more for women, but never do – today Malcolm Turnbull has a chance to change that.
Or does Mr Turnbull agree with Tony Abbott, who says scrapping the tampon tax is a “politically correct mistake”?Or does Mr Turnbull agree with Tony Abbott, who says scrapping the tampon tax is a “politically correct mistake”?
Or does he agree with his Liberal colleague Stuart Robert that it’s more important to abolish the GST on superyachts than on tampons and pads?Or does he agree with his Liberal colleague Stuart Robert that it’s more important to abolish the GST on superyachts than on tampons and pads?
Malcolm Turnbull reckons the tax system is gender neutral, but tampons are taxed, while Viagra isn’t.Malcolm Turnbull reckons the tax system is gender neutral, but tampons are taxed, while Viagra isn’t.
Back in April, Labor announced that we would end Australia’s unfair and discriminatory tampon tax by partnering with the states and territories to remove the GST on women’s sanitary products.Back in April, Labor announced that we would end Australia’s unfair and discriminatory tampon tax by partnering with the states and territories to remove the GST on women’s sanitary products.
Scrapping the tampon tax will make sanitary products more affordable – but just as importantly, it will be an important step forward in gender equity.Scrapping the tampon tax will make sanitary products more affordable – but just as importantly, it will be an important step forward in gender equity.
The tampon tax is a tax on women.The tampon tax is a tax on women.
Australian women spend around $300m on sanitary products – tampons and pads – each year.Australian women spend around $300m on sanitary products – tampons and pads – each year.
Currently, every single one of these products is hit with the 10% GST – around $30m a year in tax – because they are not considered necessities.Currently, every single one of these products is hit with the 10% GST – around $30m a year in tax – because they are not considered necessities.
At the same time, products such as incontinence pads, sunscreen and nicotine patches are exempt from the tax.At the same time, products such as incontinence pads, sunscreen and nicotine patches are exempt from the tax.
The tax shouldn’t have been applied in the first place – there is no question that sanitary products aren’t a luxury item. They are necessary for reproductive health and hygiene.The tax shouldn’t have been applied in the first place – there is no question that sanitary products aren’t a luxury item. They are necessary for reproductive health and hygiene.
That’s why Labor is leading the way to abolish this tax on sanitary items.That’s why Labor is leading the way to abolish this tax on sanitary items.
Labor is offering a real solution and there is no reason for Malcolm Turnbull to refuse it – it’s a well-designed plan that’s fully funded. And there’s no reason for the Liberals to vote against scrapping the tampon tax in the Senate today.Labor is offering a real solution and there is no reason for Malcolm Turnbull to refuse it – it’s a well-designed plan that’s fully funded. And there’s no reason for the Liberals to vote against scrapping the tampon tax in the Senate today.
Under Labor’s proposal, the loss of revenue to the states from GST on sanitary items, would be offset by applying the GST consistently to 12 natural therapies that are sometimes GST-free, such as herbalism and naturopathy.Under Labor’s proposal, the loss of revenue to the states from GST on sanitary items, would be offset by applying the GST consistently to 12 natural therapies that are sometimes GST-free, such as herbalism and naturopathy.
These natural therapies are not supported by clinical evidence, as the commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer and the National Health and Medical Research Council found in a review in 2015.These natural therapies are not supported by clinical evidence, as the commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer and the National Health and Medical Research Council found in a review in 2015.
At a time when government budgets are tight, the GST health exemption should only cover items with proven clinical effectiveness.At a time when government budgets are tight, the GST health exemption should only cover items with proven clinical effectiveness.
Ensuring the GST is applied to these therapies will also bring their GST treatment into line with bipartisan policy to remove the private health insurance rebate from them.Ensuring the GST is applied to these therapies will also bring their GST treatment into line with bipartisan policy to remove the private health insurance rebate from them.
Well, it has been QUITE the break, hasn’t it?Well, it has been QUITE the break, hasn’t it?
Just when you thought Australian politics was settling down, we get the last two weeks.Just when you thought Australian politics was settling down, we get the last two weeks.
In case you missed it, Barnaby Joyce has a book coming out – a “warts and all” tell-all – but still, privacy please.In case you missed it, Barnaby Joyce has a book coming out – a “warts and all” tell-all – but still, privacy please.
Lucy Gichuhi’s travel is in the news – particularly a 56th birthday bash, with a 50th theme, for which she has had to pay back family flights she charged to the taxpayer (she said she misunderstood the rules). But then there is also the clip from a Kenyan TV appearance in which she says her salary – A$200,000 – is not a lot of money for a year.Lucy Gichuhi’s travel is in the news – particularly a 56th birthday bash, with a 50th theme, for which she has had to pay back family flights she charged to the taxpayer (she said she misunderstood the rules). But then there is also the clip from a Kenyan TV appearance in which she says her salary – A$200,000 – is not a lot of money for a year.
Regarding the media reports about my travel expenses, this was an administrative error involving misunderstanding of travel rules.I’ve raised an invoice from the department to pay the costs of $2139 in full.Regarding the media reports about my travel expenses, this was an administrative error involving misunderstanding of travel rules.I’ve raised an invoice from the department to pay the costs of $2139 in full.
Brian Burston officially quit One Nation, and now looks likely to help Clive Palmer register his latest go-around in politics by joining the United Australia Party. Sigh. I’m sure the people of Townsville, particularly those who were left without jobs and their entitlements after his nickel refinery shutdown, are just THRILLED that Palmer is back.Brian Burston officially quit One Nation, and now looks likely to help Clive Palmer register his latest go-around in politics by joining the United Australia Party. Sigh. I’m sure the people of Townsville, particularly those who were left without jobs and their entitlements after his nickel refinery shutdown, are just THRILLED that Palmer is back.
Oh, and then the Liberals managed to score a pretty spectacular own goal in the world of deft-politics when their national council voted to privatise the ABC. The Liberals have been quick to point out that their national council motions are not binding and it is only the parliamentary team which makes policy.Oh, and then the Liberals managed to score a pretty spectacular own goal in the world of deft-politics when their national council voted to privatise the ABC. The Liberals have been quick to point out that their national council motions are not binding and it is only the parliamentary team which makes policy.
But given the big deal the government has made out of Labor’s upcoming national conference battles (asylum seekers being the main one), the government might not find it so easy to say the desires of the council don’t count. Particularly since no one spoke against the motion. Malcolm Turnbull wasn’t in the room at the time, and Mitch Fifield gave a “we’re not going to do it” speech, but still. Given all the cuts to the ABC, it’s not great timing, let alone great politics.But given the big deal the government has made out of Labor’s upcoming national conference battles (asylum seekers being the main one), the government might not find it so easy to say the desires of the council don’t count. Particularly since no one spoke against the motion. Malcolm Turnbull wasn’t in the room at the time, and Mitch Fifield gave a “we’re not going to do it” speech, but still. Given all the cuts to the ABC, it’s not great timing, let alone great politics.
Mitch Fifield’s transcript from yesterday’s ABC motion for those who are interested #auspol pic.twitter.com/Domk61B4ctMitch Fifield’s transcript from yesterday’s ABC motion for those who are interested #auspol pic.twitter.com/Domk61B4ct
But it is all about tax, tax, tax on the policy front, as the government looks to get its income tax cuts bill across in one hit, and Labor works to split it. The Greens will be key to Labor’s success here – if those nine senators don’t vote yes, then the amendment plan is dead in the water. Speaking of the Greens, the party wants the Senate to vote to do away with the tampon tax. And Mathias Cormann still has hope he’ll get the company tax plan through, despite sitting at four votes short.But it is all about tax, tax, tax on the policy front, as the government looks to get its income tax cuts bill across in one hit, and Labor works to split it. The Greens will be key to Labor’s success here – if those nine senators don’t vote yes, then the amendment plan is dead in the water. Speaking of the Greens, the party wants the Senate to vote to do away with the tampon tax. And Mathias Cormann still has hope he’ll get the company tax plan through, despite sitting at four votes short.
So let’s get in to it! Mike Bowers is out and about – you can find him at @mpbowers and @mikebowers and hanging out with me on the story at @pyjamapolitics. You can catch me in the comments, and also @amyremeikis.So let’s get in to it! Mike Bowers is out and about – you can find him at @mpbowers and @mikebowers and hanging out with me on the story at @pyjamapolitics. You can catch me in the comments, and also @amyremeikis.
I hope everyone has had their Weeties.I hope everyone has had their Weeties.