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/2019/sep/09/parliament-returns-coalition-labor-morrison-albanese-politics-live

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Labor targets government over state of economy – politics live Labor targets government over state of economy – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
And on that note, we are going to call time on today, otherwise known as the Jacqui Lambie show. Because today, it really, really was.
Shadow cabinet will meet tonight ahead of the Labor caucus meeting tomorrow. Cabinet will meet tomorrow ahead of party room meetings. We’ll all still be talking about the economy and whose side are you on, because that’s politics at this point in 2019.
A massive thank you to Mike Bowers, who is still out and about roaming the hallways and chambers, and Katharine Murphy, Sarah Martin, Paul Karp and the others whose names you don’t get to see, but are just as important to getting this blog off the ground.
As always, thank you to those who keep me informed of what is happening in the dusty corners, so we can get the most accurate and up to date information to you as soon as possible – we do appreciate it. As always, mistakes are mine.
And of course, to you all for following along with us. We missed you these past five weeks and are thrilled to have the below-the-line community back with us. We will be back online bright and early tomorrow morning. In the meantime, please – take care of you.
In two interviews – with Sky and ABC’s Afternoon Briefing – Labor’s Tony Burke has been asked about Labor’s position on mandatory minimum sentences for paedophiles.In two interviews – with Sky and ABC’s Afternoon Briefing – Labor’s Tony Burke has been asked about Labor’s position on mandatory minimum sentences for paedophiles.
The reason is that last week the attorney general, Christian Porter, and home affairs minister, Peter Dutton, announced the government would introduce a bill with mandatory sentences.The reason is that last week the attorney general, Christian Porter, and home affairs minister, Peter Dutton, announced the government would introduce a bill with mandatory sentences.
The issue is difficult for Labor because its platform opposes mandatory sentencing, as Kim Carr has forcefully noted in the party room, but Burke seems to be signalling it may support such a bill despite opposing that element.The issue is difficult for Labor because its platform opposes mandatory sentencing, as Kim Carr has forcefully noted in the party room, but Burke seems to be signalling it may support such a bill despite opposing that element.
However, the issue will not be decided tonight at shadow cabinet or tomorrow at caucus – because the Coalition has removed mandatory sentences from the Combatting Child Sexual Exploitation Legislation Amendment bill 2019 – which is before the parliament.However, the issue will not be decided tonight at shadow cabinet or tomorrow at caucus – because the Coalition has removed mandatory sentences from the Combatting Child Sexual Exploitation Legislation Amendment bill 2019 – which is before the parliament.
So mandatory sentences are likely a problem for another day when the Coalition introduces a new bill.So mandatory sentences are likely a problem for another day when the Coalition introduces a new bill.
On medevac and the Tamil family the Biloela community are fighting to have stay, Jacqui Lambie has this to say.On medevac and the Tamil family the Biloela community are fighting to have stay, Jacqui Lambie has this to say.
Medevac:Medevac:
We are still watching the process go through, I am still, my door is still open to talk to people out there, we are running through certain options to have a look and see if there are other options that the government hasn’t bothered to look at. So we are still working on this, so I have not concluded one way or another which way I am voting on it.We are still watching the process go through, I am still, my door is still open to talk to people out there, we are running through certain options to have a look and see if there are other options that the government hasn’t bothered to look at. So we are still working on this, so I have not concluded one way or another which way I am voting on it.
Biloela:Biloela:
... there’s people in Australia that talk about migrants and they talk about refugees, and there’s some of that that are quite bad and we don’t want them here, and here’s a family that has led by example, you know.... there’s people in Australia that talk about migrants and they talk about refugees, and there’s some of that that are quite bad and we don’t want them here, and here’s a family that has led by example, you know.
It has had one of their children here. The community obviously love them. There has been a big community uptake on the support for them. They are not a national security issue.It has had one of their children here. The community obviously love them. There has been a big community uptake on the support for them. They are not a national security issue.
Really, this was a chance for Dutton and his office to show a bit of heart and show some compassion and he has failed to do that and I think it has done him a hell of a lot more harm than bloody good, that’s for sure. But I would really reconsider his position, Dutton, if I was him because it is not very good.Really, this was a chance for Dutton and his office to show a bit of heart and show some compassion and he has failed to do that and I think it has done him a hell of a lot more harm than bloody good, that’s for sure. But I would really reconsider his position, Dutton, if I was him because it is not very good.
This is not the way we do things in this country. You know, they have been great people to have here, they’ve obviously shown that, like I said, the community uptake has been absolutely amazing out there, so really I think this has not been a good decision by Dutton at all.This is not the way we do things in this country. You know, they have been great people to have here, they’ve obviously shown that, like I said, the community uptake has been absolutely amazing out there, so really I think this has not been a good decision by Dutton at all.
If I was him, I’d show some compassion and heart. Everyone out there seems to say he hasn’t got any, so he could turn the tide a little bit. I mean, it is sitting in front of him for goodness sake, and let this family say.If I was him, I’d show some compassion and heart. Everyone out there seems to say he hasn’t got any, so he could turn the tide a little bit. I mean, it is sitting in front of him for goodness sake, and let this family say.
Jacqui Lambie tells Patricia Karvelas she doesn’t see a case for the religious discrimination bill, at this point in time, which is pretty strong:Jacqui Lambie tells Patricia Karvelas she doesn’t see a case for the religious discrimination bill, at this point in time, which is pretty strong:
I know that the religious freedoms we have in Tasmania, as they are now, they are working pretty well and I don’t have a lot of people around Tasmania talking to me about religious freedom.I know that the religious freedoms we have in Tasmania, as they are now, they are working pretty well and I don’t have a lot of people around Tasmania talking to me about religious freedom.
They have more important things to talk about like homelessness, not enough jobs, public hospitals completely out of control, so it is not something that is feeding back from the electorate through to me.They have more important things to talk about like homelessness, not enough jobs, public hospitals completely out of control, so it is not something that is feeding back from the electorate through to me.
We are certainly having a look at the bill, but Tasmania is very similar to the one that has been in place now, and so, there doesn’t seem... Tasmania seems to be satisfied with that, so I will have to do take that on that they don’t really want this changed.We are certainly having a look at the bill, but Tasmania is very similar to the one that has been in place now, and so, there doesn’t seem... Tasmania seems to be satisfied with that, so I will have to do take that on that they don’t really want this changed.
On Paul Karp’s story that part of the federal legislation includes a clause which would allow it to override state laws – which will impact Tasmania particularly – Lambie had this to say:On Paul Karp’s story that part of the federal legislation includes a clause which would allow it to override state laws – which will impact Tasmania particularly – Lambie had this to say:
I think that will upset Tasmanians more than the law itself to be honest. They seem to be satisfied, nobody wants to talk about it, they were delivered as it is.I think that will upset Tasmanians more than the law itself to be honest. They seem to be satisfied, nobody wants to talk about it, they were delivered as it is.
Q: You don’t see the case for this bill?Q: You don’t see the case for this bill?
Not at this point in time. Unless there is a real pickup, and a lot more Tasmanians are speaking to me about it, I guess at this point in time, it will stay as is.Not at this point in time. Unless there is a real pickup, and a lot more Tasmanians are speaking to me about it, I guess at this point in time, it will stay as is.
For the millionth time today, Jacqui Lambie confirms she will not vote for the drug testing bill. Speaking to Afternoon Briefing on the ABC, Lambie said this:For the millionth time today, Jacqui Lambie confirms she will not vote for the drug testing bill. Speaking to Afternoon Briefing on the ABC, Lambie said this:
Q: If the government promises funding for extra drug and alcohol treatment, will that be enough?Q: If the government promises funding for extra drug and alcohol treatment, will that be enough?
JL: Absolutely not. Usually when the buildings go up and how many beds are in there, and we will go back to the table and discuss it.JL: Absolutely not. Usually when the buildings go up and how many beds are in there, and we will go back to the table and discuss it.
Q: So you will vote this down until the services are up and running, not just on a promise of a funding commitment?Q: So you will vote this down until the services are up and running, not just on a promise of a funding commitment?
JL: I tend to like to put the horse before the cart before the cart before the horse, it works much better that way.JL: I tend to like to put the horse before the cart before the cart before the horse, it works much better that way.
Q: Does that mean that there is no way you will vote for this bill?Q: Does that mean that there is no way you will vote for this bill?
JL: We not voting for this bill because I already know the services are not there. You put the services in place first, the commonsense way to tackle this issue, and then we can look at doing random drug and alcohol testing on welfare recipients. In the meantime, show some goodwill and put it on yourselves and anyone else on the public purse.JL: We not voting for this bill because I already know the services are not there. You put the services in place first, the commonsense way to tackle this issue, and then we can look at doing random drug and alcohol testing on welfare recipients. In the meantime, show some goodwill and put it on yourselves and anyone else on the public purse.
Q: There is no way this bill will pass in the next fortnight, right?Q: There is no way this bill will pass in the next fortnight, right?
JL: No, unless you will put thousands of rehab beds in Australia in that time, [and they’ve struggled to do that in the last four years] let alone make that happen in the next fortnight.JL: No, unless you will put thousands of rehab beds in Australia in that time, [and they’ve struggled to do that in the last four years] let alone make that happen in the next fortnight.
One of the big issues at Labor’s shadow cabinet meeting this afternoon will be whether or not the party supports the government’s revived mandatory sentencing bill for federal sex offenders.One of the big issues at Labor’s shadow cabinet meeting this afternoon will be whether or not the party supports the government’s revived mandatory sentencing bill for federal sex offenders.
Tony Burke had this to say in response to Patricia Karvelas questions:Tony Burke had this to say in response to Patricia Karvelas questions:
PK: The government is reintroducing legislation that were tough on federal penalties for people convicted of child sex offences. Labor opposes mandatory sentencing. Would you oppose this bill?PK: The government is reintroducing legislation that were tough on federal penalties for people convicted of child sex offences. Labor opposes mandatory sentencing. Would you oppose this bill?
TB: Let’s make it clear what the government is doing, because this one is horrific, I have to say. We are dealing with responses to the royal commission established by Julia Gillard into institutional child sexual abuse.TB: Let’s make it clear what the government is doing, because this one is horrific, I have to say. We are dealing with responses to the royal commission established by Julia Gillard into institutional child sexual abuse.
If there was ever an issue where we should not be playing political games, this one is it. I mean really. When Scott Morrison says he wants to find a test for Labor, he wants to choose child sexual abuse as a political game. Really?If there was ever an issue where we should not be playing political games, this one is it. I mean really. When Scott Morrison says he wants to find a test for Labor, he wants to choose child sexual abuse as a political game. Really?
PK: There’s no evidence that it is a game.PK: There’s no evidence that it is a game.
TB: I am going to continue. On the reason for our objection for mandatory sentencing it is really simple. It often results in people who would otherwise be found guilty getting off scot-free, if a judge forms a view that the mandatory penalty is inappropriate given all the circumstances of the offence.TB: I am going to continue. On the reason for our objection for mandatory sentencing it is really simple. It often results in people who would otherwise be found guilty getting off scot-free, if a judge forms a view that the mandatory penalty is inappropriate given all the circumstances of the offence.
That is the challenge on any of this. Obviously, when these issues have come forward in the House of Representatives, we have made clear, voted for them, send them to the Senate and the Senate inquiry works out whether or not there are ways of amending, but the principle here is something that we are going to get a lot this time because our amendments are rarely successful.That is the challenge on any of this. Obviously, when these issues have come forward in the House of Representatives, we have made clear, voted for them, send them to the Senate and the Senate inquiry works out whether or not there are ways of amending, but the principle here is something that we are going to get a lot this time because our amendments are rarely successful.
In the first vote, we are voting for something we support and something that we think could be done better. Obviously, without going through them in detail, these are the sorts of offences where we ... believe there should be viewed as the most offensive, sinister offences, and in the next question is does that mean you vote against it because you think the sentencing could be done a better way? When it came to the House of Representatives on these issues we supported the bill as a whole, it doesn’t change the fact that we think it would be far more effective, far more effective if we had maximum sentences rather than mandatory. It’s just more effective, you have more convictions that way.In the first vote, we are voting for something we support and something that we think could be done better. Obviously, without going through them in detail, these are the sorts of offences where we ... believe there should be viewed as the most offensive, sinister offences, and in the next question is does that mean you vote against it because you think the sentencing could be done a better way? When it came to the House of Representatives on these issues we supported the bill as a whole, it doesn’t change the fact that we think it would be far more effective, far more effective if we had maximum sentences rather than mandatory. It’s just more effective, you have more convictions that way.
PK: We may see the same thing you have seen before from Labor when you push for the amendments, make the argument but ultimately vote for the legislation?PK: We may see the same thing you have seen before from Labor when you push for the amendments, make the argument but ultimately vote for the legislation?
TB: I am not going to get an advance of Senate inquiries but it will often be the case that when we are forced to look at the bill and if we are better off having it as a whole or not, it is better having it rather than aspects we could amend.TB: I am not going to get an advance of Senate inquiries but it will often be the case that when we are forced to look at the bill and if we are better off having it as a whole or not, it is better having it rather than aspects we could amend.
It would be a strange opposition if you said because it wasn’t word for word what you wanted it to be, you would always oppose it. That is not folding, that is the political reality of not being able to get all your amendments through, you are facing some things you support and something you think could be done better, and you have to vote for them in the same moment.It would be a strange opposition if you said because it wasn’t word for word what you wanted it to be, you would always oppose it. That is not folding, that is the political reality of not being able to get all your amendments through, you are facing some things you support and something you think could be done better, and you have to vote for them in the same moment.
The talented Guardian video folks have put together a bit of a supercut of some of the condolence speeches for Tim Fischer:The talented Guardian video folks have put together a bit of a supercut of some of the condolence speeches for Tim Fischer:
"Tim transcended the political divide" says Scott Morrison as Parliament pays respects to Tim Fischer pic.twitter.com/7I2JIN1Ezf"Tim transcended the political divide" says Scott Morrison as Parliament pays respects to Tim Fischer pic.twitter.com/7I2JIN1Ezf
Tony Burke is speaking to Patricia Karvelas on the ABC about what Jacqui Lambie’s demand for John Setka to resign from the union movement will mean for the ensuring integrity bill:Tony Burke is speaking to Patricia Karvelas on the ABC about what Jacqui Lambie’s demand for John Setka to resign from the union movement will mean for the ensuring integrity bill:
Jacqui Lambie, I don’t think anyone is surprised that she takes very strong views. She has strong opinions, it is a matter for her how she wants to vote. For me, I view the bill very much on the issue of its merits, but I talked to the Senate crossbench, I make the case that they will choose their own freedom to make a decision.Jacqui Lambie, I don’t think anyone is surprised that she takes very strong views. She has strong opinions, it is a matter for her how she wants to vote. For me, I view the bill very much on the issue of its merits, but I talked to the Senate crossbench, I make the case that they will choose their own freedom to make a decision.
PK: But if John Setka refuses to resign and the integrity bill passes, how will he be remembered in the union movement given that he now appears to be causing its potential success, according to Jacqui Lambie.PK: But if John Setka refuses to resign and the integrity bill passes, how will he be remembered in the union movement given that he now appears to be causing its potential success, according to Jacqui Lambie.
TB: I don’t think Jacqui Lambie is bluffing, and it is also my view that the potential impact of this bill on the whole trade union movement is disastrous. It’s disastrous. It is deliberately an anti-union bill designed to make it as difficult as possible for workers to be able to organise. That is what the government has done, that is why it is there and if it ends up going through, its impact will be way beyond one person in one union.TB: I don’t think Jacqui Lambie is bluffing, and it is also my view that the potential impact of this bill on the whole trade union movement is disastrous. It’s disastrous. It is deliberately an anti-union bill designed to make it as difficult as possible for workers to be able to organise. That is what the government has done, that is why it is there and if it ends up going through, its impact will be way beyond one person in one union.
PK: But will he be responsible?PK: But will he be responsible?
TB: Look, the concept of him acting responsibly, I think we are a long way from. It is going to be a matter for him to decide whether or not he thinks he is bigger than the rest of the union movement. There are a whole lot of workers and a whole lot of organisers with a lot at stake here but, as I say, I am not encouraging Jacqui Lambie to vote for these reasons, I want her to oppose the bill because on merit it’s a bad piece of legislation.TB: Look, the concept of him acting responsibly, I think we are a long way from. It is going to be a matter for him to decide whether or not he thinks he is bigger than the rest of the union movement. There are a whole lot of workers and a whole lot of organisers with a lot at stake here but, as I say, I am not encouraging Jacqui Lambie to vote for these reasons, I want her to oppose the bill because on merit it’s a bad piece of legislation.
And for something a little more uplifting than question time:And for something a little more uplifting than question time:
And he was also there for question time:And he was also there for question time:
Mike Bowers was there during the condolence motion for former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer.Mike Bowers was there during the condolence motion for former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer.
With a hat tip to the Herald Sun’s James Campbell for the inspiration, Dorothy Dixers shall now be known as Lickspittles.With a hat tip to the Herald Sun’s James Campbell for the inspiration, Dorothy Dixers shall now be known as Lickspittles.
Melissa McIntosh making an early bid for Govt lickpsittle of the week: "Will the Prime Minister outline to the house how the government is getting on with the job of providing stability & certainty for Australian people during a time of increased global complexity & challenge?"Melissa McIntosh making an early bid for Govt lickpsittle of the week: "Will the Prime Minister outline to the house how the government is getting on with the job of providing stability & certainty for Australian people during a time of increased global complexity & challenge?"
For anyone who missed the Greens’ victory (with assists from Labor, Centre Alliance and Jacqui Lambie, as well as the last-minute decision of One Nation to abstain) this morning, here you go:For anyone who missed the Greens’ victory (with assists from Labor, Centre Alliance and Jacqui Lambie, as well as the last-minute decision of One Nation to abstain) this morning, here you go:
The Greens bill to set up a federal corruption watchdog has passed the Senate, here's a quick scan through the debate from this morning pic.twitter.com/4QFui5XuQZThe Greens bill to set up a federal corruption watchdog has passed the Senate, here's a quick scan through the debate from this morning pic.twitter.com/4QFui5XuQZ
And question time ends.And question time ends.
But first we have to congratulate the Australian cricket team. Especially Tim Paine. Because this is what we use parliament for now.But first we have to congratulate the Australian cricket team. Especially Tim Paine. Because this is what we use parliament for now.
How good is sportsball?How good is sportsball?
Clare O’Neil to Josh Frydenberg:Clare O’Neil to Josh Frydenberg:
Can the treasurer confirm that under this Coalition government business investment has fallen 20% to its lowest level since the 1990s recession?Can the treasurer confirm that under this Coalition government business investment has fallen 20% to its lowest level since the 1990s recession?
Frydenberg:Frydenberg:
Mr Speaker, I can confirm non-mining investment is growing 1.4% through the year, compared to negative 8.4% through the year when Labor left office, Mr Speaker. So the record there is that that we have overseen a better result when it comes to non-mining investment than the Labor party did, Mr Speaker.Mr Speaker, I can confirm non-mining investment is growing 1.4% through the year, compared to negative 8.4% through the year when Labor left office, Mr Speaker. So the record there is that that we have overseen a better result when it comes to non-mining investment than the Labor party did, Mr Speaker.
Now, in terms of the mining sector, we have seen a transition from the investment stage to the production phase, and one of the positive points out of the national accounts for the June quarter was actually mining investment was up. Mining investment was up, Mr Speaker.Now, in terms of the mining sector, we have seen a transition from the investment stage to the production phase, and one of the positive points out of the national accounts for the June quarter was actually mining investment was up. Mining investment was up, Mr Speaker.
So the reality is, under the Coalition, we are creating more than 1.4 million new jobs. We are lowering taxes, Mr Speaker, and we’re bringing the budget back into surplus. But the question I have for the member of Hotham and those opposite is why do they continue to talk down the Australian economy, Mr Speaker?So the reality is, under the Coalition, we are creating more than 1.4 million new jobs. We are lowering taxes, Mr Speaker, and we’re bringing the budget back into surplus. But the question I have for the member of Hotham and those opposite is why do they continue to talk down the Australian economy, Mr Speaker?
Anthony Albanese asks if the opposition can answer the question. Tony Smith says sadly no, but Frydenberg is straying off the topic and to get on with it.Anthony Albanese asks if the opposition can answer the question. Tony Smith says sadly no, but Frydenberg is straying off the topic and to get on with it.
Frydenberg:Frydenberg:
As I have said, our record of investment is better than the Labor party when it comes to the non-mining sector, Mr Speaker. We’ve created more jobs, we’re lowering taxes and we’re bringing the budget back into surplus.As I have said, our record of investment is better than the Labor party when it comes to the non-mining sector, Mr Speaker. We’ve created more jobs, we’re lowering taxes and we’re bringing the budget back into surplus.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
After more than six years of this government, when growth is the slowest it has been in a decade, wages are stagnant, consumption is weak, household debt is at record highs, and productivity has actually gone backwards over the last year, why does the prime minister spend all of his time talking about Labor and none of his time coming up with a plan to turn the economy around?After more than six years of this government, when growth is the slowest it has been in a decade, wages are stagnant, consumption is weak, household debt is at record highs, and productivity has actually gone backwards over the last year, why does the prime minister spend all of his time talking about Labor and none of his time coming up with a plan to turn the economy around?
Morrison:Morrison:
Thank you, Mr Speaker. 1.4 million jobs created under the economic policies of this government, Mr Speaker. 75% of those full-time jobs, Mr Speaker. A budget that is coming back into surplus this year, this year, Mr Speaker. Real wage growth occurring under this government, Mr Speaker. Real wage growth occurring under this government. That’s what... Mr Speaker, people are not only earning more, they are getting to keep more of what they earn and we want them to earn more in the future.Thank you, Mr Speaker. 1.4 million jobs created under the economic policies of this government, Mr Speaker. 75% of those full-time jobs, Mr Speaker. A budget that is coming back into surplus this year, this year, Mr Speaker. Real wage growth occurring under this government, Mr Speaker. Real wage growth occurring under this government. That’s what... Mr Speaker, people are not only earning more, they are getting to keep more of what they earn and we want them to earn more in the future.
But you won’t get higher wages with higher taxes. That’s what the Labor party never understands.But you won’t get higher wages with higher taxes. That’s what the Labor party never understands.
They never understand that if they want to tax people more, they they will slow the economy, which will thieve them, Mr Speaker, of their economic opportunities.They never understand that if they want to tax people more, they they will slow the economy, which will thieve them, Mr Speaker, of their economic opportunities.
Tony Burke:Tony Burke:
He couldn’t even get to 45 seconds before he started talking about Labor. The question is asking him what is his plan – he is meant to be running an economy.He couldn’t even get to 45 seconds before he started talking about Labor. The question is asking him what is his plan – he is meant to be running an economy.
Tony Smith:Tony Smith:
I’m not quite sure what the point of order is. He didn’t state one. But I will just say that several of the topics in the question was Labor, so he didn’t put it there. The prime minister has the call.I’m not quite sure what the point of order is. He didn’t state one. But I will just say that several of the topics in the question was Labor, so he didn’t put it there. The prime minister has the call.
Morrison:Morrison:
Our plan, which is to bring the budget back into surplus this year. Our plan, which has been to deliver tax cuts to Australians. Our plan, which is to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars on infrastructure, which includes $10bn this year, which is 10% higher than the annual spend on infrastructure this year than occurred under the Labor party. So more investment in infrastructure, more investment in skills, skills expansion of our markets.Our plan, which is to bring the budget back into surplus this year. Our plan, which has been to deliver tax cuts to Australians. Our plan, which is to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars on infrastructure, which includes $10bn this year, which is 10% higher than the annual spend on infrastructure this year than occurred under the Labor party. So more investment in infrastructure, more investment in skills, skills expansion of our markets.
We’ve taken the trade covered by our export agreements from less than 30% to 70% and we will take it to 90%, Mr Speaker. The agricultural sector is growing at a – it will be a $100bn sector by 2030 under the plan we are putting in place. So we have a plan, Mr Speaker.We’ve taken the trade covered by our export agreements from less than 30% to 70% and we will take it to 90%, Mr Speaker. The agricultural sector is growing at a – it will be a $100bn sector by 2030 under the plan we are putting in place. So we have a plan, Mr Speaker.
But what is happening on the side of the Labor party, and I was asked about the Labor party, is chaos. It’s chaos and uncertainty and in New South Wales, there is the big stench of corruption, Mr Speaker. What we’re seeing in New South Wales – the Leader of the Opposition’s home division – is – when I said, and I mentioned on the weekend, when I said we had to recycle plastics, Mr Speaker, I didn’t mean Aldi plastic bags stuffed full of cash. That was not my plan, Mr Speaker! But it is certainly the plan of the New South Wales Labor party.But what is happening on the side of the Labor party, and I was asked about the Labor party, is chaos. It’s chaos and uncertainty and in New South Wales, there is the big stench of corruption, Mr Speaker. What we’re seeing in New South Wales – the Leader of the Opposition’s home division – is – when I said, and I mentioned on the weekend, when I said we had to recycle plastics, Mr Speaker, I didn’t mean Aldi plastic bags stuffed full of cash. That was not my plan, Mr Speaker! But it is certainly the plan of the New South Wales Labor party.
Michael McCormack does his best impression of an unseasoned chicken wing in delivering his latest dixer answer.Michael McCormack does his best impression of an unseasoned chicken wing in delivering his latest dixer answer.
Moving on.Moving on.
Catherine King to Scott Morrison:Catherine King to Scott Morrison:
Why has the prime minister ignored seven calls from the Reserve Bank governor since the election to increase infrastructure spending?Why has the prime minister ignored seven calls from the Reserve Bank governor since the election to increase infrastructure spending?
Morrison:Morrison:
Let me quote from the Reserve Bank governor, August 9, health economics committee.Let me quote from the Reserve Bank governor, August 9, health economics committee.
The global economy is not doing well, we need ... public policy to support the Australian policy, that is not a call for the Australian government to do more now.The global economy is not doing well, we need ... public policy to support the Australian policy, that is not a call for the Australian government to do more now.
I am quoting the governor of the reserve bank. He said can I clarify something. I have not called on the government to do fiscal expansion, quoting the governor of the Reserve Bank, giving evidence, not some chat to a journalist, but evidence, to the House economics committee. He said I am not calling on the government to do fiscal expansion.I am quoting the governor of the reserve bank. He said can I clarify something. I have not called on the government to do fiscal expansion, quoting the governor of the Reserve Bank, giving evidence, not some chat to a journalist, but evidence, to the House economics committee. He said I am not calling on the government to do fiscal expansion.
On 11 July he said I agree 100% with you the Australian economy is growing and the fundamentals are strong. I don’t think we should forget that more Australians have jobs today than ever before.On 11 July he said I agree 100% with you the Australian economy is growing and the fundamentals are strong. I don’t think we should forget that more Australians have jobs today than ever before.
... The Reserve Bank on the evidence of the parliamentary committee has been very clear. What I know is I have been working with the Reserve Bank governor as both the treasurer and prime minister for four years, it is as a result of the Reserve Bank governor years ago, suggestions to us about the need to move on infrastructure, that we have the hundred billion dollar infrastructure pipeline, that has been in the budget since April of this year, and is featured in previous budgets.... The Reserve Bank on the evidence of the parliamentary committee has been very clear. What I know is I have been working with the Reserve Bank governor as both the treasurer and prime minister for four years, it is as a result of the Reserve Bank governor years ago, suggestions to us about the need to move on infrastructure, that we have the hundred billion dollar infrastructure pipeline, that has been in the budget since April of this year, and is featured in previous budgets.
I know those opposite, if they had the opportunity, would be spending, spending, spending, if they had won the election, only because they would have been taxing, taxing, taxing.I know those opposite, if they had the opportunity, would be spending, spending, spending, if they had won the election, only because they would have been taxing, taxing, taxing.
The first whiff of a surplus, the Labor party would blow it all in a heartbeat. What my government is doing is showing sober, cautious, disciplined financial management, Mr Speaker, to make sure we both achieve the first surplus in 12 years, and we deliver on the hundred billion dollar infrastructure program, we deliver on the tax cuts we promise to Australians, and we have achieved in this parliament, which those opposite fought tooth and nail to try and stop. Those opposite, we heard earlier today, that apparently they will not find out what their policies are until 2022. He will need a time machine to find out their policies. Whether you go backwards or forwards, they will all equate to economic irresponsibility.The first whiff of a surplus, the Labor party would blow it all in a heartbeat. What my government is doing is showing sober, cautious, disciplined financial management, Mr Speaker, to make sure we both achieve the first surplus in 12 years, and we deliver on the hundred billion dollar infrastructure program, we deliver on the tax cuts we promise to Australians, and we have achieved in this parliament, which those opposite fought tooth and nail to try and stop. Those opposite, we heard earlier today, that apparently they will not find out what their policies are until 2022. He will need a time machine to find out their policies. Whether you go backwards or forwards, they will all equate to economic irresponsibility.
While I continue my death to dixers crusade, you might be interested in putting in a submission to this inquiry:While I continue my death to dixers crusade, you might be interested in putting in a submission to this inquiry:
#QuestionTime is under way in the House. While you’re streaming at https://t.co/8DB1X3AQDV, why not give some consideration to the ways in which you’d consider changing #QT? Submissions to the inquiry are still open at https://t.co/swSWsTiM6X#QuestionTime is under way in the House. While you’re streaming at https://t.co/8DB1X3AQDV, why not give some consideration to the ways in which you’d consider changing #QT? Submissions to the inquiry are still open at https://t.co/swSWsTiM6X