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Morrison tells National Press Club: election will be after the budget – politics live Morrison tells National Press Club: election will be after the budget – politics live
(35 minutes later)
David Leyonhjelm is walking away from the federal parliament for a shot at the NSW parliament.
He has launched a farewell tour (from his release):
The first libertarian elected to the Australian Parliament, Senator David Leyonhjelm, will speak for the last time in the chamber this week, ahead of his New South Wales election tilt.
The Liberal Democrats Senator, who was elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2016, will give his valedictory speech on Wednesday from 5pm. In it, he will offer some insight into the important role he played as a crossbencher, while lamenting the lack of principles of other political parties.
“In my first speech, I promised to the Australian people that I would never vote for a reduction in liberty or an increase in taxes, and I am proud to say I have held true to that promise,” Senator Leyonhjelm said.
“Of course, out of the nine crossbench Senators elected in 2013, I am the only one that has remained and survived the turbulent times,” he said. “And since I was elected, my party, the Liberal Democrats, has increased its representation four-fold: from just me, to one in WA and two in Victoria — not including our representatives at the council level.
“Our saying that libertarians are plotting to take over the world and leave everyone alone is coming along swimmingly.
“While this might be my federal farewell tour, I am not quitting politics — at least, that’s not the plan. Red tape and the nanny state remain the two issues I am passionate about, and I can make more of a difference to these state-based problems if I am elected in NSW on March 23.”
Senator Leyonhjelm will return to Canberra this week for the sitting week and a Senate committee hearing into his free speech bills, along with next week for a final grilling of public servants in Additional Estimates.”
A Senate inquiry into the Coalition’s planned crackdown on the R&D tax incentive has recommended the policy be shelved over concerns it could stifle innovation.
Then treasurer Scott Morrison announced he would tighten access to the R&D tax incentive in last year’s budget, saying the government would no longer be signing “blank cheques” to business. It’s a big deal. The payments account for one-third of all government spending on science and innovation.
A new “intensity test’ would be introduced for larger companies to favour higher, more intensive R&D investment, and compliance and enforcement measures would be ramped up significantly. The measure would save the government $2.4bn.
But a Senate inquiry has heard evidence from a range of businesses and research groups that the policy would threaten innovation and create uncertainty.
The inquiry on Monday recommended that: “On the weight of evidence presented, the committee considers that the bill should not proceed until there is further consideration of the R&D tax incentive measures.”
The R&D incentive crackdown is attached to an omnibus bill that also includes measures to stamp out tax avoidance.
That included amendments to prevent companies from loading up debt artificially to shift profits and avoid tax. The inquiry recommended the government proceed on all other parts of the bill.
I know he has a few fans here, so here you go:I know he has a few fans here, so here you go:
Please welcome one of Labor’s fiercest warriors to the Twitterverse, @SenatorDoug #auspol #welovedougPlease welcome one of Labor’s fiercest warriors to the Twitterverse, @SenatorDoug #auspol #welovedoug
Reading through that question and answer section of the Scott Morrison press club address, there was a lot going on, including this:Reading through that question and answer section of the Scott Morrison press club address, there was a lot going on, including this:
We can’t just focus on terrorism and allow our women to be abused.We can’t just focus on terrorism and allow our women to be abused.
Could have done without the “our” there, I think.Could have done without the “our” there, I think.
I’m told that the full shadow ministry is due to meet to discuss the medical evacuation bill nowish.I’m told that the full shadow ministry is due to meet to discuss the medical evacuation bill nowish.
The Labor shadow cabinet is going to meet to talk about what to do with the information from the security briefing on the medical evacuation bill.The Labor shadow cabinet is going to meet to talk about what to do with the information from the security briefing on the medical evacuation bill.
And of course, individual factional caucuses will meet as well.And of course, individual factional caucuses will meet as well.
We won’t have an answer on where Labor lands on this, until later tonight.We won’t have an answer on where Labor lands on this, until later tonight.
Death-to-dixers get democratised.Death-to-dixers get democratised.
Or that’s what I’m taking from Tim Storer’s decision to crowdsource his questions to the government for Senate question time from his South Australian constituents.Or that’s what I’m taking from Tim Storer’s decision to crowdsource his questions to the government for Senate question time from his South Australian constituents.
From Storer:From Storer:
When I first entered parliament, I spoke about the need for politicians to do better to bring the people into the parliamentary process.When I first entered parliament, I spoke about the need for politicians to do better to bring the people into the parliamentary process.
In the internet age, there is no reason for voters to only have their say on polling day.In the internet age, there is no reason for voters to only have their say on polling day.
That is why, going forward, I’ll be asking the South Australian people to choose the topic on which I will ask the government questions during Senate question time.That is why, going forward, I’ll be asking the South Australian people to choose the topic on which I will ask the government questions during Senate question time.
Voting is now open on my website to select the topic I will ask the government a question on this Thursday 14 February.Voting is now open on my website to select the topic I will ask the government a question on this Thursday 14 February.
So far, 800 people have participated in the poll, which has been a fantastic response.So far, 800 people have participated in the poll, which has been a fantastic response.
Voting closes on Wednesday at 5pm ACDT.Voting closes on Wednesday at 5pm ACDT.
I will select future topic options based on feedback from the South Australian community on the issues that are of most pressing concern to them.I will select future topic options based on feedback from the South Australian community on the issues that are of most pressing concern to them.
I will also be adding a ‘free text’ box for future polls, so voters can suggest additional topics that are not listed.I will also be adding a ‘free text’ box for future polls, so voters can suggest additional topics that are not listed.
It’s time to modernise our democracy and give the people we represent more say in what we politicians do in Canberra.It’s time to modernise our democracy and give the people we represent more say in what we politicians do in Canberra.
Bill Shorten’s office has confirmed he will be meeting with the family of Hakeem al-Araibi on Wednesday.Bill Shorten’s office has confirmed he will be meeting with the family of Hakeem al-Araibi on Wednesday.
From the release:From the release:
Labor reiterates our call on Thailand to release Hakeem al-Araibi and return him to his family in Australia.Labor reiterates our call on Thailand to release Hakeem al-Araibi and return him to his family in Australia.
We remain deeply concerned by Mr Al-Araibi’s ongoing detention in Thailand and the continuing threat of his extradition to Bahrain.We remain deeply concerned by Mr Al-Araibi’s ongoing detention in Thailand and the continuing threat of his extradition to Bahrain.
Senator Wong has raised Hakeem’s case directly with the ambassador of Thailand and called for his release and return to Australia.Senator Wong has raised Hakeem’s case directly with the ambassador of Thailand and called for his release and return to Australia.
Labor also urges the prime minister of Thailand to exercise executive discretion in this case – a discretion that both Thailand’s office of the attorney general and the prosecutor have confirmed is allowed under Thailand’s Extradition Act.Labor also urges the prime minister of Thailand to exercise executive discretion in this case – a discretion that both Thailand’s office of the attorney general and the prosecutor have confirmed is allowed under Thailand’s Extradition Act.
Thailand is a good friend of Australia’s. We are confident the Thai people and Government understand the concern so many Australians have for the welfare of a person to whom we have offered sanctuary, and permanent residency.Thailand is a good friend of Australia’s. We are confident the Thai people and Government understand the concern so many Australians have for the welfare of a person to whom we have offered sanctuary, and permanent residency.
We wish to thank all those showing their support for Hakeem, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, other governments, Mr Al-Araibi’s local community in Melbourne and in particular Mr Craig Foster, the Football Federation of Australia, and the broader football community.We wish to thank all those showing their support for Hakeem, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, other governments, Mr Al-Araibi’s local community in Melbourne and in particular Mr Craig Foster, the Football Federation of Australia, and the broader football community.
How Mike Bowers saw the speech:How Mike Bowers saw the speech:
As the prime minister hammers home his message about national security, the Guardian has revealed that 17 Australian residents are believed to be under house arrest, in prison or detained in China’s secretive “re-education” centres in Xinjiang.The 17 cases – 15 Australian permanent residents and two on spouse visas – have been collected by Nurgul Sawut, an advocate for Uighurs in Australia through interviews with their family members. Sawut says the Australian Uighur community feel “let down” by the Australian government, which they believe is sitting on its hands, despite many of the 17 having lived in Australia for years and having children or spouses who are Australian citizens.“The language [Dfat] is using is very dire. The Australian government is basically saying we can’t do anything right now,” said Sawut.“They say, ‘we are talking to our Chinese counterparts’. What does that mean exactly? When I met Dfat in December, I said, ‘that’s not a good enough answer for us. As an Australian embassy you need to do more to locate these people, to tell us if they’re alive or dead’.”Penny Wong, Labor’s spokeswoman on foreign affairs, said her party was “particularly concerned” by reports of Uighurs who were Australian residents being detained. She said: “Engagement with China is very important to Australia but, as with any other country, it never means we abandon our values, or our sovereignty.”As the prime minister hammers home his message about national security, the Guardian has revealed that 17 Australian residents are believed to be under house arrest, in prison or detained in China’s secretive “re-education” centres in Xinjiang.The 17 cases – 15 Australian permanent residents and two on spouse visas – have been collected by Nurgul Sawut, an advocate for Uighurs in Australia through interviews with their family members. Sawut says the Australian Uighur community feel “let down” by the Australian government, which they believe is sitting on its hands, despite many of the 17 having lived in Australia for years and having children or spouses who are Australian citizens.“The language [Dfat] is using is very dire. The Australian government is basically saying we can’t do anything right now,” said Sawut.“They say, ‘we are talking to our Chinese counterparts’. What does that mean exactly? When I met Dfat in December, I said, ‘that’s not a good enough answer for us. As an Australian embassy you need to do more to locate these people, to tell us if they’re alive or dead’.”Penny Wong, Labor’s spokeswoman on foreign affairs, said her party was “particularly concerned” by reports of Uighurs who were Australian residents being detained. She said: “Engagement with China is very important to Australia but, as with any other country, it never means we abandon our values, or our sovereignty.”
While you all percolate on that last hour and a bit, Linda Burney, the first Aboriginal woman elected to the House of Representatives, will have her portrait unveiled on Wednesday.While you all percolate on that last hour and a bit, Linda Burney, the first Aboriginal woman elected to the House of Representatives, will have her portrait unveiled on Wednesday.
It’s to hang in parliament house. From the release:It’s to hang in parliament house. From the release:
Created by award-winning artist Jude Rae, the portrait was commissioned by the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) for Parliament’s Historic Memorials Collection.Created by award-winning artist Jude Rae, the portrait was commissioned by the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) for Parliament’s Historic Memorials Collection.
The Historic Memorials Collection, Australia’s longest-running art commissioning program, was founded by prime minister Andrew Fisher in 1911, on the recommendation of artist Tom Roberts. Since then, it has commissioned portraits of the head of state, governors-general, prime ministers, speakers and presidents. On occasion, as is the case with Ms Burney, the committee will commission a one-off portrait of senators and members whose election represents a significant milestone in the history of the Australian parliament.The Historic Memorials Collection, Australia’s longest-running art commissioning program, was founded by prime minister Andrew Fisher in 1911, on the recommendation of artist Tom Roberts. Since then, it has commissioned portraits of the head of state, governors-general, prime ministers, speakers and presidents. On occasion, as is the case with Ms Burney, the committee will commission a one-off portrait of senators and members whose election represents a significant milestone in the history of the Australian parliament.
That was the last question.That was the last question.
Question:Question:
You’ve recently been to Townsville and Tasmania to comfort and support Australians suffering from wildfires and unprecedented inundation and flooding.You’ve recently been to Townsville and Tasmania to comfort and support Australians suffering from wildfires and unprecedented inundation and flooding.
Now, insurance actuaries are constantly revising risk assessment and are now factoring in climate change as an exacerbating factor in the higher frequencies of extreme weather events.Now, insurance actuaries are constantly revising risk assessment and are now factoring in climate change as an exacerbating factor in the higher frequencies of extreme weather events.
Do you acknowledge that climate change is now the major factor in more frequent extreme weather events, and if you do, doesn’t that mean that Australia’s national disaster response needs a greater national coordination than what you’ve been able to announce under the national security umbrella that you’ve canvassed today?Do you acknowledge that climate change is now the major factor in more frequent extreme weather events, and if you do, doesn’t that mean that Australia’s national disaster response needs a greater national coordination than what you’ve been able to announce under the national security umbrella that you’ve canvassed today?
Morrison:Morrison:
I don’t know if I agree with your reasoning. We have a clear commitment to reduce emissions to 26% by 2030. So that is our response. We are taking action on climate change. We do have a response in place to address the very real threats of climate change that you’ve articulated.I don’t know if I agree with your reasoning. We have a clear commitment to reduce emissions to 26% by 2030. So that is our response. We are taking action on climate change. We do have a response in place to address the very real threats of climate change that you’ve articulated.
That’s part of our government’s plan to do exactly that and right now, in the middle of the fires in Tasmania and the floods in Queensland, they’re not just fires in Tasmania.That’s part of our government’s plan to do exactly that and right now, in the middle of the fires in Tasmania and the floods in Queensland, they’re not just fires in Tasmania.
As we know, in Victoria and Western Australia and other parts of the country – this is happening at a time when we’ve met the commitments that we have already set forward this time.As we know, in Victoria and Western Australia and other parts of the country – this is happening at a time when we’ve met the commitments that we have already set forward this time.
So the actions that we’ve taken to address climate change have been taken and we are meeting the commitments we’ve made up until right now when these very even vents that you speak of are occurring.So the actions that we’ve taken to address climate change have been taken and we are meeting the commitments we’ve made up until right now when these very even vents that you speak of are occurring.
So my answer to that is – we will continue to take action, just as we I acknowledge it’s a factor – just as we have. I acknowledge it’s a factor. Of course it is. Australians do. The vast majority of Australians. But the issue is how you achieve it. We believe you need sensible, achievable targets to address climate change, and we have them and we’re achieving them.So my answer to that is – we will continue to take action, just as we I acknowledge it’s a factor – just as we have. I acknowledge it’s a factor. Of course it is. Australians do. The vast majority of Australians. But the issue is how you achieve it. We believe you need sensible, achievable targets to address climate change, and we have them and we’re achieving them.
What we disagree with is having reckless target that is shut down your economy and take people’s jobs, which is what Labor propose.What we disagree with is having reckless target that is shut down your economy and take people’s jobs, which is what Labor propose.
Their target requires an emissions reduction roughly three times what we still have to achieve by 2030. Now, if you think that the aluminium smelter is still going to be open under Labor’s plan, you’re kidding yourself. It won’t be.Their target requires an emissions reduction roughly three times what we still have to achieve by 2030. Now, if you think that the aluminium smelter is still going to be open under Labor’s plan, you’re kidding yourself. It won’t be.
So you have real targets that is you meet with a plan to meet them. That’s our policy on climate change.So you have real targets that is you meet with a plan to meet them. That’s our policy on climate change.
Or you have reckless targets that shut down the economy and cost Australians their jobs and their livelihoods. That’s Labor’s plan.Or you have reckless targets that shut down the economy and cost Australians their jobs and their livelihoods. That’s Labor’s plan.
And it brings me back to the same point I’ve been making all day – under my government, Australia will be stronger. Under Bill Shorten’s Labor government, Australia will be weaker.And it brings me back to the same point I’ve been making all day – under my government, Australia will be stronger. Under Bill Shorten’s Labor government, Australia will be weaker.
Question:Question:
A lot of Australians are asking when it comes to border security why can’t they [our policy] be both safe and humane why does it have to be a choice between one or the other?A lot of Australians are asking when it comes to border security why can’t they [our policy] be both safe and humane why does it have to be a choice between one or the other?
Morrison:Morrison:
We are being safe and we are being humane, I don’t agree with that assessment. The Australian government will run the borders, and our government, that is how we will always be under our government.We are being safe and we are being humane, I don’t agree with that assessment. The Australian government will run the borders, and our government, that is how we will always be under our government.
Over 7,000 women, and children, have come under our official women at risk program, because we have secured the borders. That wasn’t happening before we came to government in 2013, not in those numbers.Over 7,000 women, and children, have come under our official women at risk program, because we have secured the borders. That wasn’t happening before we came to government in 2013, not in those numbers.
One of the first things I did as immigration minister and has been followed on by Peter and from David – making sure people who really need the help can get it.One of the first things I did as immigration minister and has been followed on by Peter and from David – making sure people who really need the help can get it.
That’s what we have been delivering. The reason we have put in our transparency and assurance process is to demonstrate to Australians the medical care is provided.That’s what we have been delivering. The reason we have put in our transparency and assurance process is to demonstrate to Australians the medical care is provided.
It is provided. I know there will be some who will come in not know what the circumstances are, there will be advocates making claims and they will do all those sorts of things but there is a reason ministers make these decisions and governments make them, because we understand our border responsibilities, I don’t respect those with more narrow responsibilities in the area I respect them absolutely and the motivations, our responsibilities are broader than that, and under my government, we will run the borders.It is provided. I know there will be some who will come in not know what the circumstances are, there will be advocates making claims and they will do all those sorts of things but there is a reason ministers make these decisions and governments make them, because we understand our border responsibilities, I don’t respect those with more narrow responsibilities in the area I respect them absolutely and the motivations, our responsibilities are broader than that, and under my government, we will run the borders.
Question:Question:
There’s been a fair bit of speculation about exactly what date the election will be. Do you rule out 25 May?There’s been a fair bit of speculation about exactly what date the election will be. Do you rule out 25 May?
Morrison:Morrison:
Have you got your pen ready? Are you ready? I was almost tempted to tell you the other day when Michael and I were going out to swear in the assistant minister. I was going to text you and say – I’m on my way to Yarralumla.Have you got your pen ready? Are you ready? I was almost tempted to tell you the other day when Michael and I were going out to swear in the assistant minister. I was going to text you and say – I’m on my way to Yarralumla.
I thought it was funnier than that, actually!I thought it was funnier than that, actually!
Gosh, cheer up!Gosh, cheer up!
The election will be after the budget.The election will be after the budget.
Question:Question:
Hakeem al-Araibi is in a Thai prison. We can blame Bahrain or Thailand for not taking them. How much responsibility can we take and what responsibilities have you taken to ensure that no other Australians end up in that situation?Hakeem al-Araibi is in a Thai prison. We can blame Bahrain or Thailand for not taking them. How much responsibility can we take and what responsibilities have you taken to ensure that no other Australians end up in that situation?
Morrison:Morrison:
I’m not at liberty to go to the last part of the question because of what it relates to. But what I can tell you – the only thing I’m concerned about right now is getting him home.I’m not at liberty to go to the last part of the question because of what it relates to. But what I can tell you – the only thing I’m concerned about right now is getting him home.
I want to get Hakeem al-Araibi home. I know that Marise Payne has been working with her consulate and others from Dfat. And our Australians of the year, the number of people, the international sports community, others, have been making this case. But they’ve been making it respectfully, been making it carefully and I will continue to do that as well.I want to get Hakeem al-Araibi home. I know that Marise Payne has been working with her consulate and others from Dfat. And our Australians of the year, the number of people, the international sports community, others, have been making this case. But they’ve been making it respectfully, been making it carefully and I will continue to do that as well.
It’s not my job to get upset – it’s my job to get him home and that’s what we’re working towards and we will keep doing that. But I would ask Australians, who I know desperately want to see him come home, that we have to manage this carefully. We have to be patient. It’s not a straight up and down issue. I know it looks like one. Most issues do.It’s not my job to get upset – it’s my job to get him home and that’s what we’re working towards and we will keep doing that. But I would ask Australians, who I know desperately want to see him come home, that we have to manage this carefully. We have to be patient. It’s not a straight up and down issue. I know it looks like one. Most issues do.
But you know, to solve them requires a lot more patience and a lot more diligence, and that’s what we’re applying to this. He’s getting a lot of great consular support from friends and I thank all of those who have been providing that support. But we will continue to work this issue with our partners. We will continue to engage with the Thai government, as we’ve been doing constantly, as well as we have with the governor of Bahrain. And it is within the executive authority of the Thai prime minister to enable him to be returned and we will continue to work towards that end.But you know, to solve them requires a lot more patience and a lot more diligence, and that’s what we’re applying to this. He’s getting a lot of great consular support from friends and I thank all of those who have been providing that support. But we will continue to work this issue with our partners. We will continue to engage with the Thai government, as we’ve been doing constantly, as well as we have with the governor of Bahrain. And it is within the executive authority of the Thai prime minister to enable him to be returned and we will continue to work towards that end.